Children Learn How To Handle Unfamiliar Dogs

[bigdoglover]

KPLC-TV Lake Charles

Reported by Vince Atkinson

School's are out for the summer, but that does not mean that learning stops for area children. Public libraries are still holding their summer reading programs. This summer's reading theme centers around animals, but reading is not the only thing taking place. Tuesday some students got a hands on lesson on how to approach and handle encounters with unknown dogs. Some feel this is a lesson that might just save a life.

Playing with dogs may not sound like typical behavior for a library, but it is all part of the summer reading program at Central Library in Lake Charles. Humane Society Volunteer Beth Zilbert said, "This is our very first one. We are so excited about being approached by the library to do this kind of education with kids."

These lessons are aimed at teaching children what to do the next time they come across a dog they do not know. Zilbert said, "I started thinking about animals in the news lately and there has been some problems. There really needs to be a better way to approach animals." By arming children with some simple, but very effective tips, the hope is to prevent future dog attacks in Southwest Louisiana.

Humane Society President Marsha Montgomery said, "If it is a pitt bull or a chihuahua, kids need to know the right way to approach the dog and how to be safe." While students in Calcasieu Parish continue reading about pets for the rest of the summer, they are also learning how to handle strange dogs in real life situations.