Nikole Owen, chief executive of Animal Charity, Youngstown, said there are many steps that people

Nikole Owen, chief executive of Animal Charity, Youngstown, said there are many steps that people can take to protect themselves from dogs and other animals:

Assess your surroundings and note the dogs in your neighborhood.

Games such as baseball and tag can be frightening for dogs.

Discourage children from playing near dogs that are viciously barking, growling or showing their teeth.

Never approach a stray dog — call the dog warden. If a stray dog approaches you, stay calm. Avoid screaming, kicking, hitting, running from or staring at a stray.

Never approach a dog without its owner’s permission. Dogs are territorial and do not like strangers on their territory.

When in doubt about an animal, call the appropriate authorities such as Animal Charity, police or dog warden. Remember that a dog’s reaction depends on your action.