How to prevent dog attacks on children
A dog attack on a child is devastating, usually for everyone concerned – the child; the parents of the child; the dog owner; those who witnessed the attack. Here are some tips on how to prevent dog attacks on children…
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Supervise dogs and children when together
Your dog may appear to be the most placid canine creature on the planet but always remember they have teeth and will use them when they feel they have to. The approach of a child may be enough reason to use them. A parent present may not be enough to stop an imminent dog attack but an adult educated on dog body language can sense that a dog is not happy in the presence of the child and separate the two.
Be aware of the times that you will be distracted and less able to supervise. The presence of guests, for instance, or the arrival of another dog in the park. Even taking a photograph leaves you unable to see direct interactions between child and dog.
Supervising dogs and children when together may be the ultimate method of reducing dog attacks on children.
2. Learn dog body language and teach children
Often we hear of people who say that the dog attack came ‘out of nowhere’. This is rare. Normally the dog has been communicating their discomfort through body language postures and gestures. These may be simple signs such a licking lips or yawning or a stiffening of the body. Adults need to learn signs of discomfort in dogs and move the dog out of the situation. Never tell the dog off for displaying signs of discomfort. Instead move them away, indeed almost thank them, as they have prevented a dog bite.
Most dogs are not comfortable with being hugged by a child. Never assume because your dog is quiet that they are enjoying the interaction Teach your child more appropriate interactions such as sitting close by or reading to the dog.
Every little step in children’s education on dogs is a step towards reducing dog attacks on children.
3. Choose your dog carefully
There is no evidence that one breed of dog is more likely to bite than another. So many researchers have tried to determine if genetics has a role to play and while genetics affects every behaviour, it is likely to account for only a small part of a dog bite situation.
Owners, however, do need to choose a dog that matches their lifestyle. Then they will give the dog adequate exercise, mental stimulation and attention. If you cannot control your dog, it may be more likely to cause damage, including danger to people. Large dogs, while not more likely to bite, may cause more significant damage when they do bite. Fortunately larger dogs tend to receive more training than smaller dogs. Ensure your dog respects you and obeys your command by building trust between you.
4. Socialise your puppy well
Socialisation is the process of introducing your young dog to all the experiences they will encounter in life, at a young age (3-14 weeks) and in a positive manner. It is NOT the process of taking your dog to the park to play. It is meeting people of all ages and stages, differing substrates, vehicles, objects and noises. Dogs who are not well socialised often react with fear to novel experiences. Dogs that are fearful often turn to aggression, when they cannot take the flight option in the ‘fight or flight’ experience..
5. Understand canine aggression to reduce dog attacks on children
Not everyone needs to be a dog behaviour expert but some understanding of the causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs is always a good idea, whether you are a dog owner or not. Common causes of dog aggression include lack of socialisation (see point 4 above), a negative experience (a child poking you with a stick), illness, resource-guarding (defending food, toys or a particular space) and more.
Dr Jo Righetti’s Ebook Aggression Problems Solved takes dog owners through the likely causes of aggressive behaviour and what to do about them. It is currently available on Amazon. Read more here.
6. Model your behaviour around dogs to your children
Children learn by watching and copying others. If you are scared of dogs, your child may learn to be scared. If you yell at your dog or hit it, your child may do the same. Dog handlers who are negative in their dog handling techniques are more likely to be responded to with aggressive behaviour from the dog. Your dog may not attack you when you yell but they may attack your child.
Teach your young child not to approach a sleeping dog or one who is eating. Teach your child how to pat a dog and when not to. Teach them to give the dog a command and stay with them while they interact. Teach them to understand dog body language and behaviour.
7. Keep children away from dogs with resources
Some dogs are prone to resource-guarding. They love their food and do not want to share. They keep their toys all to themselves or their favourite seat on the sofa. This may not be an issue for an adult human but it is a potentially dangerous confrontation with a child. If a dog is sleeping they shoud have a spot to sleep that they feel safe and a child know not to disturb them. Ensure your dog has such a space.
Do not give your dog resources that they are likely to guard and get help for any dog who is displaying resource-guarding behaviour. Prevention and early treatment of problems are great ways to reduce the incidence of dog attacks on children.
8. Be aware of children’s activities
Your child may be safe around dogs but the activities they engage in may leave them vulnerable. Riding a bike or a skateboard down the street may cause a dog to chase. Running through the park may stimulate a dog to jump up. Being wheeled in a pram may frighten a dog who has not been well socialised (point 4 above). A child awakening from a nap or squealing on a swing may incite a dog to jump, bite or perform a predatory attack. You need to remain aware of your child’s behaviour and your dog’s response.
9. Meet your neighbour’s dogs
Dog attacks on children may occur from your dog, a family member or friend’s dog, a neighbourhood dog or an unknown dog. You should supervise all interactions between children and dogs and, if you are wary of a dog, you should seek help. Be aware that with your neighbour’s dogs, although your neighbours property may end at the fenceline, their dog does not know this. Their territory may extend well beyond this and they may be willing to guard it.
If your neighbour has a new dog or you move into a neighbourhood, ask your neighbour if their dog is friendly. It may be a good idea to meet the dog, on neutral ground, away from the dog’s home and territory. With your neighbour’s permission, offer the dog a treat, to create a positive experience or, if you are unsure about this, ask your neighbour to reward their dog.
Do not follow this point if you suspect the dog is fearful or aggressive towards people.
10. If your child is attacked by a dog
If an attack is imminent and you can get away from the scene, leaving the dog’s territory, for example, you may be best to move slowly and quietly away. Do not run. Happy talk (speaking in a light, cheerful tone) can sometimes create a friendly reaction in an unknown dog but there is no guarantee of this.
If you get knocked over by a dog protect the vulnerable areas of your body, head and abdomen. Keep still and quiet which is usually not interesting for dogs. Seek help when the dog moves away.
Lastly
Try to remember that dog attacks on children are rare but when they do occur they can be serious. Take every step to ensure the safety of your child and your dog and seek help if you are unsure of either one’s safety.
About the author:
Dr Jo Righetti is a PhD animal behaviourist, who has educated people on pets and their behaviour over the last 20 years. Dr Jo has been involved in dog bite research and in educating children, parents and schools on dog bite prevention. She has written a book on the topic – Dog Aggression Problems Solved.
More about Jo.
More on canine aggression
Understanding dog aggression
Dog anxiety and aggression may be genetic
Preventing dog bites in children
And on children and pets
Kids and Pets: The benefits of growing up with a companion animals
Pets help parents raise children
Animals help children with autism
Pet loss – a guide for parents
Bringing home baby: Helping your pets cope with your new human
Your dog, your baby
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