Dogs are good. Dogs are our friends. But, you still need to exercise caution when training your own pet or are confronted with an unfamiliar animal.

1. Stay away from stray animals. Never approach a dog or cat that you do not know.

2. If one approaches you; stop, stand still, and watch it. Do not run. Dogs like to chase moving objects.

3. Keep your eyes on the dog, but do not make eye contact. Speak softly and gently and try to calm it down. Just say things like, "It's okay, take it easy, good dog."

4. If you are riding a bike and a dog starts chasing you, stop and dismount on the side opposite the dog. Keep the bike between you and the dog while you speak softly and walk away from it.

5. If you are attacked, curl up with your hands locked behind your neck with your arms and elbows up around your face. These are the vital areas a dog will attack.

Nick Dodman -America's best known dog behaviorists.

6. Parents should always monitor children when they are around dogs, particularly dogs they do not know.

7. Family pets should be trained when they are very young to be social.

8. Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.

9. Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting one.

10. Use extra caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler.

11. Spay or neuter any family dog to reduce any aggressive tendencies, especially males.

12. Never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog.

13. Immediately seek professional advice from a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if a dog develops aggressive or undesirable behavior.

14. Do not play aggressive games or wrestle with a dog.

15. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

16. Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see you and sniff you first. Let the dog come to you rather than you going after the dog.