Children and puppies — words that conjure images of friendship, trust and loyalty. But children should be instructed on how to properly interact with their canine friends.

Greeting a puppy

• Never let the child make the first move. If the child is excited, delay the meeting until the child is calm enough to pay attention to what he or she is being told by an adult.
• Teach the child about "No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact."
• Observe the child's energy level and the puppy's reaction. If it's deemed safe, guide the child on how to give affection.
• Always put safety first. If it appears unsafe for either child or puppy, inform the child that the dog is in training and can't be pet.

Playtime
Supervision is key! Children should never be left alone with a dog or puppy.

• Make sure the child knows: no pulling ears or tails!
• Watch for rough play and redirect the child's energy when needed.
• Keep an eye on the puppy's body language for signs that it's time for playtime to end.

Heath and cleanliness
Children are more susceptible to illness carried by pets than adults. Avoid health hazards by following these tips.

• Children should thoroughly wash their hands after playing with any puppy or dog.
• Make sure the puppy sees a vet regularly.
• Children should not be allowed to play in the area where the dog relieves himself.
• Excrement must be picked up from the lawn frequently and disposed of properly.