hey can be cute. They can be cuddly. They can be loads of fun. But experts warn that when it comes to Man's Best Friend, there's one thing parents should never do: "Never ascribe human characteristics to a dog," says Dr. Robert Wiebe, director of the clinical service of emergency medicine at Children's Medical Center of Dallas.

Many parents don't realize how a small child's hyper, loud behavior can confuse a dog -- or how a child's invasion of a dog's space might provoke the animal, says Dr. Wiebe.

Never allow children to place their face directly in front of a dog's face, experts warn, and don't allow your child to touch a dog that is sleeping or eating. Don't let them pet strange dogs or try to break up dog fights.

"The key is anticipation," says Dr. Wiebe, "to be aware of what can happen."

Children between ages 5 and 9 are bitten more than any other age group, while children 9 to 14 are next in line, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dogs react to motion and sound. When confronted by an unfamiliar dog, the experts say, children should:

	Stand still with hands at sides.
	Avoid eye contact, which the dog may see as a sign of aggression.
	Back away very slowly.

"The great majority of times, if your child does this, the dog will simply sniff the child, determine your child is not a threat and walk away," explains Dr. Wiebe.

"Be aware that dogs react instinctively to a small, shrill voice," says Dr. Wiebe, "so speaking is not a good idea. If an adult is present, a low, deep voice is best."

To learn more about preventing dog bites, contact:

Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-452-1100
Web site: http://www.hsus.org