Dogs bite. Any dog can bite given the wrong set of circumstances. The trick is to learn how to safely approach dogs and read their body language. If you pay attention and follow some guidelines, bites can be avoided.

First, observe the dog. Some dogs are loose, wiggly, open mouthed and squinty eyed. These guys are usually friendly. They are straining to get to you for pets and attention. Other dogs maybe stiff, lower themselves, tuck their tails between their legs and avoid eye contact. This type of dog is usually moving away from you. Take the hint and leave dog number 2 alone. The dogs' demeanor is letting you know whether he wants to interact.

I hope that dogs you meet are accompanied by their owners. Ask the owner if you can pet their dog. If they say no, take their word for it. I have honestly had people try to approach dogs after I have assured them the dog will bite!

When you do greet a new dog, offer your hand for a sniff. If the dog approaches, you may gently pet him on the chest. If the dog seems reluctant to approach, that is ok. You should withdraw. Not every dog is going to be your friend. Try not to reach down and grab at the dogs head or neck. Most dogs do not care for that type of petting from strangers.

Please do not put your face up to a strange dog. No hugging or kissing! Direct face-to-face contact is very threatening to a dog. Your own dog may like it, but a strange dog will not. The same thing goes for staring at a dog. It can provoke aggression.

Loose, unaccompanied dogs can be difficult. The best thing is to avoid them and call animal control. If an unknown dog approaches you, be still. The Humane Society of the United States says to" be a tree". Put your hands up under your arms and avoid eye contact. If you are boring and not threatening, the dog will lose interest in you and go away. Move slowly away from the area. Fast movement and screaming can excite the dog.

Other situations to avoid are dogs that are tied up, dogs in cars and dogs behind fences. These dogs can become territorial due to restraint and confinement. If a dog is actively trying to hide, growls or shows its teeth, leave it alone.

Most dogs are fine with human interaction. When you are meeting a dog, observe its body language for information about the dog's willingness to interact. Use caution and commonsense to avoid being bitten.

Cissy Sumner of Best Behavior Dog Training is Vero's first Certified Professional Dog Trainer. If you have a training or behavior question, email Cissy at bbdogtraining@bellsouth.net. Visit www.pawprintsofverobeach.com for group training information. Private training is available by appointment.