School's out for the summer. And with children boarding, blading and biking excitedly in neighborhoods, parks and playgrounds, summer is prime time for problem encounters between kids and dogs.

Chasing and jumping up are natural canine behaviors, say Best Friends trainers, especially for younger dogs who will want to join in the play with children who are running and shouting excitedly nearby. Dogs who don't know how to behave can frighten young children with these behaviors or cause injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to bites.

Basic training for dogs
Whether or not the problem is prompted by the child's action, however, the dog owner is responsible for controlling his or her pet.

Following leash laws is an important part of avoiding problems. But, say professional trainers, dogs owners must also provide obedience training and socialization for their pets. Every owner should train his or her dog to obey basic commands like 'sit,' 'stay,' and 'come' which can be used to control an off-leash dog.

Best Friends trainer Roy Spitalnik points out the importance of knowing your dog before releasing him in an area where children play. "No matter how much training you've done, it is NEVER safe to let an aggressive animal run free in an area where children are playing. That's a recipe for disaster. If you know your dog has aggressive tendencies, you have a responsibility to keep him penned or on a leash."

On the other hand, if yours is a friendly dog who simply wants to join in the play, training can make a big difference. "Some breeds - like labs and most spaniels - are social. And puppies and young dogs will view running, shouting children as 'littermates' ready to play. It's important to show your dog how to behave calmly when they are around children in these situations."

Spitalnik recommends taking the dog to the park or playground or another place where children gather and put him through his obedience paces before letting him run to the children. "Teach him control first, and then, let him go say 'hello' to the children as a reward."

Exercise, exercise
Don't expect this to work the first time. It will take repetition for your dog to understand what you expect.

If your dog is still a problem around children, he may not be getting enough exercise, says Spitalnik. "A dog that is 'hyper' is a dog that is not getting enough mental and physical stimulation. Take him for a longer walk or run, or play a longer game of fetch in the yard to help him use up some of that energy.

If none of these tactics solve your pet's behavior problems, you may need the help of a professional trainer. Always look for a dog trainer who stands behind his or her program. At Best Friends Pet Care, dog training classes come with a Results Guarantee.

For more information or for the Best Friends nearest you, call 888-FOR-PETS or go to the Our Centers section of the website.