Preventing dog bites in children

Recently here in the United Kingdom, there have been numerous incidences of children being bitten, mauled, or far worse than that, killed by a dog. Some of these dogs were the family pets and the children, members of the family. There needs to be guide lines for persons owning a dog and especially having one around small children. Presenting your family with a dog as a pet, is a serious step, and these adults should take full responsibility to insure that the dog is well trained, and the family members are instructed as to the do's and don't's of behaviour around an animal such as a dog. Most of these malicious attacks can be avoided if proper steps are taken. I have prepared a list of what I consider proper steps to be taken to insure your family members are not subjected to any of these attacks, be it your family dog or a complete stranger's dog.

1. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or with pups.
2. Never pet a dog without letting him see and sniff you before hand.
3. Always ask permission to pet a stranger's dog.
4. If you see the owner cannot control their dog, simply walk away.
5. Never approach a dog behind a fence, in a car, or tethered on a chain.
6. Never tease a dog in any manner.
7. Never approach a strange dog you do not know or a dog who is not with his owner.
8. If a dog starts running towards you or attacking you, don't run away, stop, stand still, walk away slowly, facing the dog, not making eye contact.
9. If you are attacked, give the dog your jacket, a book, or whatever you may have handy.
10. If attacked, stop, curl up in a ball like a turtle, cover your head with your arms and hands.