When we love our pets, we love it when kids love our pets. It's fun to share the joy of petting our four-legged friends with children, most of whom naturally are drawn to animals.

But a recent story by Linda Lombardi, of the Associated Press, points out that saying yes when a kid asks "Can I pet your doggie?" may be setting both the child and the dog up for an unpleasant experience.

Here are some tips to make the encounter go well:

* Tell the child that before the petting begins, "Let's ask the dog if it's OK first." Either have the child put out a closed fist or a hand with the palm upraised. Or just have the youngster stand close to the dog. Either way, let the dog approach the child. If Fido moves behind you, or turns away, it's not the right time for a pat.

* Watch the dog's body language around the child. Forget the tail; watch the mouth. A dog that is licking its lips or yawning excessively is not comfortable. An open mouth means the dog is relaxed.

* Tell the child to pet the dog along chin, neck or side, not the blind spot on the top of the head.

* Encourage kids to pet in "slow motion" rather than rapid patting.

Click here to read the complete story, via the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in Texas, which includes more tips.

(AP photo by John Way)

Trainer Amy Robinson, of Vero Beach, shows Myles Blane how to pet Trixie.