Safe dog handling is vital to the safety of both the pet and the person. Fortunately, good handling is a teachable skill. 

If the dog is small (under 25 pounds), place your dominant arm under his chest, between the front limbs, while tucking his back end between that same arm and your torso (what some of us might refer to as the football hold). For medium-size dogs (between 25 and 40 pounds), place your dominant arm behind the dog's back legs, and your non-dominant arm around his chest, in front of the limbs and stabilize the dog against your chest as you lift. This helps ensure the pet is properly supported and comfortable. Ideally, larger dogs really require two people to be picked up properly: one lifting from beneath the chest and the other lifting from the abdomen and rear.

If your dog is scared or in pain, care should be taken to avoid getting your face or hands near his mouth, in case he might bite. If he is injured and you need to lift him to safety, consider using a muzzle (only if he is not having difficulty breathing) and sliding him onto a board for support.

Aside from that, all children should know some important safety tips: