Keeping Children and Dogs Safe
Keeping Children and Dogs Safe
The highest incidence of dog bites occurs in children under the age of 10. The bites are usually received from the family dog or a friend’s dog. If children behave inappropriately around their own dog, they may well do the same with a strange dog. A child’s own dog may learnt to tolerate inappropriate behaviour but their friends dog, or a strangers dog, may bite due to feeling stressed or frightened by the interaction.
See below for key considerations in Keeping Children and Dogs Safe.
- Children and dogs need to be supervised at all timeswhen together, otherwise they are separated by a barrier such as baby gate, door, playpen, fencing.
- When children and dogs are together, use the opportunity to teach calm, gentle, quite and appropriate interaction.
- Be consistent in teaching children to not:
-approach a dog that is eating
-approach a dog that is resting
-follow any dog
- Be consistent in teaching children if they want to interact with a dog:
-ask their parent first, then the owner of the dog and finally the dog!
-talk to the dog but if the dog moves away rather than showing a desire to interact, do not follow!
- If a dog approaches showing an interest in interacting:
-offer a palm lower than the dog’s head for the dog to sniff
-do not pat a dog in the head
-do not hug a dog
-a scratch under the chin, or on the chest is usually enjoyed by a dog
-(** Stand like a tree with arms folded across chest if approached by a strange dog)
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Keeping Children and Dogs Safe
Pawtential Dog Training
- Teach children to recognise when a dog is wanting to be left alone e.g.
-turning head or body away
-moving away
-yawning (when not tired)
-tongue flicks up the nose
(Show children the illustrated handouts on dog language)
- Training Sessions need to include:
-“go to mat” or “in your crate” (Children are to stay away from dogs when they are resting)
-“sit for greetings” or “drop for greetings” (By practising these positions and making them rewarding, they will replace Jumping).
Please teach your children to be respectful of all dogs, not just your own. It is unfair to expect a dog to have to cope with the behaviour, high energy and movement of young children.
The website, is well worth a look for more information on Safety of Children and Dogs.
Please contact Pawtential Dog Training for help with training sessions.
Lyn Witts