I have an affinity for four-legged furry beasts; a house isn’t a home without a dog. Moreover, I think they help teach kids how to be compassionate and responsible.
Dunkin, Snowball, and Oreo
As we all know, dogs are animals and sometimes they do bite so it’s very important when you’re mixing kids with dogs, that both parties know how they’re supposed to behave. This is especially important for mothers of tweens, considering the fact that 70% of bites or attacks occur in children age 11 and under and usually happen at the dog’s residence (Dogbites.org, 2008).
I’m not trying to scare you, my girls live in harmony with three dogs. So, how does one prevent dog bites? Here’s a great list taken directly from the Humane Society that highlights different ways to teach bite avoidance to your children: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/stay_dog_bite_free/
teaching_your_child_to_avoid_dog_bites.html)
1. Before petting someone’s dog, ask the dog’s guardian for permission
2. Never sneak up on or pet a dog who is eating or sleeping
3. Never pet a dog who is playing with a toy
4. Never try to pet a dog who is in a car
5. Never pet a dog who is behind a fence
6. An angry dog may try to make herself look big
7. A frightened dog behaves differently
8. If you are walking, stop and stand still
9. If you are playing on the ground, lie still on the ground (like a log)
10. Never, ever try to outrun a dog
Dogs and kids can live happily together if they both respect each other. Children should never be left alone unsupervised with any dog, no matter how trustworthy. Why? Mom or dad walks out, Joey starts pulling Fido’s tail, and next thing you know, there’s a potential bite situation.
There are countless measures one can take to help prevent dog bites. Local rescue groups, the ASPCA, HSUS, and an appropriately credentialed behaviorist/trainer are all great resources when it comes to having kids and dogs live together in harmony. The following videos are from HSUS and highlight different ways to prevent dog bites. I hope you find them informative.
