Dogs are pack animals. When you get a puppy, you and your family becomes the "dogs pack" and the puppy thinks of you as just another dog. Dogs need to have a Pack Leader. It is very important that you are considered more important in the pack than the puppy.

Respect is the biggest thing to a dog ...
be cool, be kind and your dog will follow you to the end of the world ... and back!

Never ever put your face lower than the dogs face. If you are lying on the floor, puppy will think you are not as important as it is and will jump on you! Then, if you get scratched, remember the puppy is only doing what is in his nature – he did not mean to hurt you, he is just playing the only way he knows how.

Always ask before you touch someone elses dog. Small dogs can bite hard too! If the dog owner is not there for you to ask, LEAVE THE DOG ALONE.

When you approach dogs, do not approach from the front. Approach from the side so the dog has a chance to check you out first. Then if the owner allows you to touch the dog, extend the closed hand towards the dog to sniff. If the dog seems okay, scratch the dog under the chin or pat his shoulder. DO NOT attempt to pat strange dogs on the top of their heads as this is a bit pushy and rude in their eyes and could make them cross. DO NOT lean over the dog as this too could make the dog cross - stroke dogs on the side you are on.

Always try to avoid eye contact with dogs that you do not know - as they can interpret constant eye contact as a threat or challenge, dogs could think you are going to hurt them and they might bite you.

Dogs is in pain, do not understand where the pain comes from. If you touch a dog in pain, he may think you are causing the pain and will bite you to stop the pain. If a dog is acting like he is sick or hurt, leave him alone -- even if he belongs to your family. Tell an adult. Together you can get medical help for the dog.

Always be gentle with dogs. Do not tease dogs, hit them over the nose, or pull their tails or ears. You are asking to be bitten! How else can dogs tell you they do not like what you are doing?
If the dogs ears are laid back against the head, or the legs are very stiff, he is probably warning you that he feels threatened and will protect himself if he must. If the hair on the dogs back is standing up, that is a serious warning! If a dog is growling or barking with his teeth showing, it means he is ready to bite. Dogs warning signs mean that you are doing something he does not like, so stop doing it!

• Freeze.
• Count to five, slowly and silently.
• Move away very slowly, sideways or backwards.
• If the dog jumps on you, act like a rock by curling up into a  ball and covering your face and head with your arms.

• Do not stare at the dog - that means: "I dare you to bite  me!"
• Do not run, jump or wave your arms around.
• Do not scream.
• Do not throw anything at the dog, do not hit him.

Take good care of your dog. Remember to exercise your dog and brush him regularly, try to find playmates for him - your dog will love it and so will you. Always have a bowl of fresh water and a clean sleeping place for your dog.