April 2006 Newsletter
DOG SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
Earlier this year KSEG formed an alliance with Bark Busters, Inc., an Australian-based Home Dog Training program with over 170 plus franchisees in the United States at present, growing to approximately 300 by year’s end. Routine news reports have brought about both increased fear regarding dog attacks and a realization that most people simply are naïve about dog behavior and safety. Consider the fact that dog attacks are the number one health problem for children with more than ½ of all children having been bitten by age 12. Every year more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with children requiring medical attention 3 times the rate of adults. 61% of dog bites occur within a pet owner’s home and 43% of all dog bites involve the family dog! (See www.WSEG.org for tips on dog safety for adults).
Children are more vulnerable to dog bites because of their diminutive height which makes it easier for a dog to bite their face. Children are more at risk than adults of receiving serious injuries if attacked by a dog, too. As far as a dog is concerned, children have the same status in the “pack” as a puppy and have no qualms about reprimanding them. The same dog would balk at attacking an adult. Also, children are more likely to try and pet, pat or cuddle a dog, again putting a child at a higher risk with not only strange dogs, but even with the family dog!
KIDZ SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID BEING BITTEN:
Dogs may react by attacking or biting because they may be frightened, feel threatened or become protective, so...
NEVER approach a dog while it’s eating
NEVER pet, pat or cuddle a strange dog. If the dog is growling or showing its teeth, “stand still!”
NEVER tease a dog
NEVER take a toy or a bone away from a dog
NEVER chase a ball or any other object into a dog’s yard
NEVER pull on a dog’s ear or tail
NEVER stare at the eyes of a dog
NEVER attempt to ride on the back of a dog
NEVER extend your hand to a strange dog or present the back of your clenched fist. If a dog “mouths” your hand, “do not” yank your hand away. Pull back away slowly and gently.
NEVER approach a dog that has its tail up
ALWAYS stop your bike so a dog won’t chase you. Dogs can outrun bikes and children. Quite often they are going after the wheels, too.
ALWAYS stay away from a mother dog with puppies. She is protective and will guard them thinking you might take one of the pups away from her. Keep your distance, look from a distance, always.
If knocked to the ground by a dog, ROLL INTO A BALL, cover your face with your arm and stay as still as possible. When it feels safe to get up, get up slowly – NEVER abruptly.
Tips for Parents:
NEVER allow your child to discipline a dog
NEVER leave a young child or baby alone with a dog
NEVER allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised
NEVER allow your child to pull on a dog’s collar
NEVER allow your child to walk a dog without supervision
NEVER allow your child to play aggressive games with ANY dog
DO teach your dog to be submissive and respond to verbal commands. All dogs, even the MOST dominant dogs can learn to be submissive with strong leadership from their owners and can be trained to respond to their owner’s voice.
It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their children acceptable, respectful and safe behavior with dogs. Children simply cannot be expected to practice correct behavior without being taught and without frequent reinforcement.
Remember: If a dog gets a fright – He might bite! Do right – No Bite!...... Dally
Be sure to visit BarkBusters.com and learn more about Aussie “state of the art” dog training for your dog(s), and here for our new Pet CD/ID for your dog (or other pet).
Written by Mark C. Spencer, M.A., S.A.F.E.
© Copyright 2006 S.A.F.E. All rights reserved.