 So when people ask to pet them, I say, it's fine, just let them come to you. Some of the important things your child should know is to never run up to a dog, whether he knows the dog or not. Fast movements can activate a dog's predatory instincts. You know, they're pack animals. And a lot of them have the prey instinct, so if you run towards them or away from them, they might see it as a chase. So you approach slowly and calmly and let them do what dogs do. Sniff ya. Another good idea, don't try to pet a dog on the head. They see that as dominance. You're over them.