Children are naturally curious about dogs and cats, even someone else's. And that could be an accident waiting to happen if the parent or caregiver is not alert.

Some youngsters are learning about safety around dogs.

We followed a dog trainer giving some small fries a lesson in canine safety.

Harold Camacho teaches little humans safe behavior around dogs, assisted by best friend Apache. He tells them they should ask permission before approaching or trying to pet a strange dog. And he offers a tip for being introduced to a dog for the first time.

"You open your hand and let him come to you and if he smells or licks your hand," said Camacho, "don't jerk your hand away."

Most of the children at the Little Toes Day care in Park Slope are just 3 years old. So, the lesson is a simple one.

For example, if the dog is angry or growling:

"You should stand like a tree, don't look dog in the eye, stay as calm as possible and stand like a tree," said Camacho.

He also says dog owners should learn how to handle their pet on a leash.

Before a parent or caregiver allows a child to approach a strange dog, they should check out the owner to make sure he or she is in control of the animal.

The adult and the child should also know the warning signs of dog hostility. The animal's ears may flatten back. The dog may raise its gums and bare its teeth. A tense dog may become stiff, ready to spring. And the dog's hackles, the hair on the back of the neck, may stand up straight.

Apache is trained to stop in midattack if called off. But it's unlikely most people will encounter a situation like this. On the other hand, a curious child may approach an unfriendly dog with a calm voice and calmly grab the child and move away slowly.

If you have kids in your care, you may want to talk to them about how to behave around dogs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, dogs bite 4.7 million people each year and it's believed educating the humans could prevent most.