Video Lesson: How to Approach a Dog Safely

Every child should be taught how to behave safely around dogs.

From the family’s own to the neighbor’s dog, from the dog running loose in a park to one sitting in its owner’s car, dogs provide us with clues on their disposition or mood.

Understanding those clues or body language will help children avoid dangerous situations.

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program is the first step in training for many dogs.

The CGC is a 2-part program that teaches responsible dog ownership to owners and basic training and good manners to dogs.

Walking Doggies fully supports American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program.

Nancy Field CPDT-KA of the Port Chester Obedience Training Club and her Labrador Retriever, “Emma,” demonstrate how to teach your dog to sit.

When you’re out in the street with your dog and danger approaches, the sit command can prevent that danger from becoming something much worse.

You can begin teaching “leave it” by sitting down and doing this as a game with your dog.

Then, you will eventually have the dog “leave it” while you are walking by the item to be left.

“Leave it” is an important skill for therapy dogs who need to ignore food or pills on the floor, and is also a good skill for dogs when they are in the community.