Children and Dogs - Keeping Them Safe Through Education and Training

Some studies have shown that nearly half of all2. Never leave a young child alone with any dog,
dog attacks in the United States involve childreneven a family dog you have trusted for years.
under the age of 12. Children of ages 5 through 93. Do not allow any kind of animal abuse from tail
seem to have the highest rate of dog bite relatedpulling to more drastic situations. Animal abuse
injuries with the rate decreasing as they age.carried out by children can be a sign of
Nearly two thirds of the injuries to children 4deep-seated emotional problems that should be
years old and younger are to the head and neckdealt with immediately. If not dealt with, this can
area. Dog bite incidents seem to increase duringlead to more aggressive abuse carried over to
the summer months when dogs and people spendhumans.
more time outdoors.4. Teach your children to respect and humanely
Educating young children about the precautionstreat all animals. Teach them the importance of
they need to take around dogs can help keeppassing this on to their friends.
them safe. In my home town, our one and only5. Tell your children if they ever see anyone
Animal Control Officer goes into our schools, alonghurting an animal they are to tell an adult whom
with a local dog trainer, and gives presentations tothey trust. It is not okay to hurt any animal in
children about how to care for, treat, and respectany situation.
dogs and other pets. Because of this, our rate ofDog owners should also be held responsible for
animal abuse carried out by children has declinedtheir dogs' actions. If they acquire the dog as a
dramatically.puppy, they should socialize it with all kinds of
Children can relate to and need guidance in theirpeople young and old, people with hats, short and
relationship with animals. Most dog bites to childrentall, and other dogs. Also, every dog should be
can be avoided by teaching the kids some simpletrained either professionally or by the owner if
rules:they have dog training experience. Dogs should
1. Never approach a strange dog without askingnot be kept tied up and should always be on leash
the owner if they can pet it.or under absolute control while in public. They
2. Never approach a dog chained or tied up toshould never be allowed to wander free on their
anything.own.
3. Never look a strange dog in the eyes.If you acquire an older dog from a rescue
4. Never tease or otherwise annoy any dog.organization, it is even more important to get
5. Treat all dogs with respect, gentleness andappropriate positive training, since most dogs are
caring.taken to a shelter because of behavioral
6. Never try to take a toy or treat away from aproblems. If your dog shows aggressive behavior,
dog.don't wait until it advances to the point of
7. Never approach a dog while it is eating.someone getting hurt. Seek out professional
Other precautionary steps parents can take are:training at the first sign.
1. Teach your children to interpret body languageChildren should never be victims of dog bites. If
of dogs. If you don't know and understand dogs'parents, dog owners, and children themselves
body language yourself, it would be wise to studycould learn and practice these simple rules, there
up a little on it. Dogs communicate everything towould be no need to consider banning breeds.
us through their body language. It is veryChildren would grow up to promote the humane
important to learn and understand the subtle signsand healthy treatment and respect of the animals
of a dog that indicate stress, fear, happiness,God has given us for our companionship and
patience, protection, submission, dominance, andunconditional love.
calmness.