Safety with Dogs: Guidelines for Parents and Children

Children and Dogs Guidelines for Parents

"There is no such thing as a child-friendly breed of dog. Some breeds may be more suitable for children than others, but canine behavior is a result of inherited traits, prenatal influences such as stress experienced by dog s mother, and training and socialization after the puppy is born."

There are several things parents can do:

• Socialize your puppy to kids of all ages.
• If you plan to have a family, do not acquire a dog first.
• Continue to introduce your dog to kids of all ages (and adults) at least until he or she reaches one year of age.
• Involve the children in training sessions with your dog.
• Supervise all interactions between your dog and the children.
• Teach children to recognize signs of fear and aggression in dogs.
• Involve children in feeding, grooming, and walking your dog as well as teaching them to play appropriate games with your dog.
• Avoid physical games like tug-of-war and wrestling.
• Be a good example of how to treat animals. You provide a valuable model that children can emulate.

Safety with Dogs Guidelines for Children

Here are simple things children can do to help prevent being bitten or attacked by a dog.

The Do's:

• If a dog approaches you, stand still and don t look at the dog.
• If an adult is close, wait until they reach the dog and restrain it before you continue on your way.
• Always ask permission from an adult before petting a dog that you do not know.
• Recognize when a dog seems fearful or aggressive by noticing the dog s body language and behavior.
  
  A relaxed dog's ears are forward or sideways, not staring or stiff.
  
  A fearful dog's ears are back, its tail is low or between legs, and it may be cowering.
  
  An aggressive dog is growling, the hair on its back is standing up, its body is stiff, and it may be staring or have bared teeth.

• Play gently and calmly with a dog so that they don't get too excited.
• If you fall to the ground in the presence of a threatening dog, curl into a small ball like a stone and wrap your hands and arms around your head. Be quiet and remain still until the dog has left before you get up.
• If a dog bites you, tell an adult immediately.

The Don'ts

• Never approach a dog you don t know.
• DO NOT RUN or race away on your bike.
• Do not run and scream around a dog.
• Never enter a fenced area if a dog is in the yard unless an adult accompanies you.
• Do not approach a dog that is tied up.
• Never reach over or through a fence or a car window to pet a dog.
• Never approach a dog that is eating, chewing on a bone or toy, or sleeping.
• Never take anything away from a dog.
• Never approach an injured dog, get help instead.
• Do not hit a dog, pull his tail, ears or fur.

Source: University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Reference:

Petra X. Mertens, D.V.M., Ph.D., is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a certified applied animal behaviorist. Dr. Mertens coordinates the behavior clinic at the CVM Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

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