More than four hundred thousand children in the United States are treated for dog bites each year. Most bites happen during the course of day-to-day activities—and are inflicted by dogs the children know.

So how can we keep our kids safe around dogs? First of all, young children should always be supervised with dogs and should learn early on how to be gentle and patient with their canine companions. They need to be taught that dogs shouldn’t be tugged on, ridden or dressed up. Similarly, they should learn not to tease a dog, take his toys or food or approach him in his crate or other rest areas.

Children should always stay away from lone dogs they don’t know. If a calm dog is with its owner, an older child might be able to approach—but only after asking the owner first.

When it comes to dogs and kids, safety always comes first.