Dogs, Cats, and Big Kids: Learning How to Be Safe with Pets. Produced by Donald Manelli and Associates, 2004. An important bite prevention film that should become a part of every schools safety education program. Interest level: Grades 4-8. Nonfiction video (20 minutes).

Dogs, Cats & Kids: Learning How to Behave with Pets & Strays. Produced by Donald Manelli and Associates, 1996, 2004. A highly acclaimed, engaging, informative film that may prevent serious injuries in children. The research-based BARK Dog Bite Prevention Program pairs the dvd with a comprehensive workbook and is recommended for elementary school instruction. Interest level: Grades 1-4. Nonfiction video (20 minutes).

Good Dog!: Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training. By Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie. Dogwise Publishing, 2008. 88 pages. Both kids and adults will learn a great deal from this book. The accomplished young authors began their careers by participating in a shelter dog training program that helps homeless dogs become more adoptable. The concise three chapter book focuses on how to be safe around dogs, how to enjoy dogs, and clicker training. A glossary is included where you will find definitions for jargon such as "bite inhibition" and "calming signals." This highly acclaimed dog training manual will definitely be a hit with kids. Interest level: ages 8-14. (paperback)

May I Pet Your Dog?: The how-to guide for kids meeting dogs (and dogs meeting kids). Written by Stephanie Calmenson. Illustrated by Jan Ormerod. Clarion Books, 2007. Harry the dachshund explains to young children how to safely meet dogs, showing the proper way to approach dogs. An important bite-prevention teaching resource. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. PreS-3.

Tails Are Not for Pulling. Written by Elizabeth Verdick. Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen. Nonfiction picture book. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc., 2005. Publisher's Summary: Animals may not have words, but they can communicate. Paying attention to an animal's cues can help a child understand what the animal is "saying" and what an appropriate response might be. That's part of what this book is about. But mostly it's about showing children how to love pets gently-because pets are for loving, after all. A special section for adults includes ideas for teaching kindness to animals, activities, and discussion starters. ASPCA Henry Bergh Children's Book Award. KIND Children's Honor Book. Nonfiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. Pre S-K.

Lessons About How to be Safe Around Animals:

First grade: Dumb Friends League's Stay safe by respecting animals

Anticipation guide (or quiz) from Best Friends Society - Dog Bites - How Much Do You Know?

Background information from the Humane Society of the United States - "Avoiding Dog Bites"

Informative online video Humane Society of the US "Watch the Video" Preventing Dog Bites II

Elementary students: HSUS's Dog Bite Prevention Resources for Children

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