Advice on Preventing Dog Attacks
Dogs and Children
Recently, we have seen horrific pictures of young children after they have been attacked by a dog. Banning dangerous breeds is important but so is educating parents and children about what to do around dogs they don’t know and how to help prevent such attacks.
ALL dogs have the potential to bite, it is as they say, “the nature of the beast”. Small dogs actually bite more frequently but they do less damage so are not seen as that big a problem. Even the trusty old pet Labrador has its breaking point.
Dogs bite more out of fear than anything else.
They have 2 methods of getting out of a situation they see as fearful
· RUN or FIGHT.
If they feel cornered WE leave them NO choice but to FIGHT.
This means using their TEETH. Unfortunately these teeth are often the same height as children’s faces.
What should we do, and what should we tell our kids to do?
· If a dog is with its owner, ASK before you approach... “Can I pat your dog?” The owner knows the dog best and will know if it is friendly and relaxed around kids. REMEMBER not all dogs have a lot of contact with children and may be worried or frightened by them.
· It is in a dog’s nature to guard what it sees as “mine”.
NEVER approach a dog you don’t know EVEN if it is
Tied up (anywhere) – it may feel trapped
In a car with the window down – it may be guarding the car
Is playing with a ball, toys or eating anything – “MINE”
NEVER stick your head/face through a fence or gate to say hello!
· Children are unpredictable in their body movements and the sounds they make. This can be worrying for some dogs.
They also sound similar to wounded prey, so dogs will want to investigate them.
· Keep your children close when in a dog off leash area, there will be lots of excited dogs running free. If you have food, you will attract attention from most dogs! If you do, throw the food away from yourself.
· DO NOT squeal, screech, scream, flap your arms wildly or run up to or away from a dog. This will excite a dog more and they will want to chase this strange animal making strange noises.
· DO stand still, cover your face with your hands and/or arms, and keep quiet. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and keep your face and neck covered and keep quiet.
Practice this around dogs you do know, so your kids get used to it.