You would like to think that some things go without saying. Like this: If your dog is stronger than you are, you shouldn’t be walking it.

But no, it apparently needs to be said.

It is difficult to imagine a more horrific scene for a child than seeing her beloved pet killed in front of her eyes.

Yet that is exactly what happened last week when a pair of huskies being walked by a Lewiston woman mauled and killed a dachshund being walked by a 9-year-old girl.

All three dogs were on leashes.

Police say the owner of the two huskies was unable to pull her dogs away when they decided to attack the much smaller animal.

She was charged late last week with keeping dangerous dogs.

An owner is responsible for their dog’s behavior, and there are a variety of ways for them to maintain control.

Obedience lessons top the list. There, dogs are trained to be good “pet citizens,” part of which involves learning to socialize safely with other animals.

But, more importantly, obedience classes train owners to use voice and leash commands to control their pets.

Beyond that, there are certain types of collars that can be used to help even the smallest owner maintain control over even the largest of animals.

It is painful enough to lose a beloved pet either to age or illness. Having a little girl witness such a brutal attack was a preventable tragedy.