How to Teach Children Dog Safety

It is the responsibility of every parent to teach their children dog safety. Even in families that do not own a dog, your children will encounter dogs in their daily lives, it is important that they know how to behave. There are thousands of dog bites to children each year. Most of these incidents are preventable. A toddler or child can often act in ways that appear threatening to a dog. It doesn't necessarily indicate that the dog is vicious. Dogs are animals and certain actions are going to result in a negative behavior. We will go through some tips and lessons you can teach your children to help avoid a dog bite.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Teach you children how to safely approach a dog. When a child comes near a dog, they should move slowly and calmly. Give the dog an opportunity to smell and sniff the child's hand. Teach your child that it is good to speak to the dog in a calm and friendly manner. Once this initial introduction process is complete, you should be able to determine if this is a safe situation. Your child can now pet or rub the dog in a soft and gentle manner.

2. Instruct your child that squealing or yelling around dogs is not safe. Dogs have incredible hearing. Loud, high pitched voices are going to make most dogs anxious. When a dog's anxiety level rises, they are more likely to react in an unsafe way. This is not necessarily a sign of aggression in the dog, it is the dog's natural reaction to protect itself.

3. Teach your children that waving sticks or other objects around a dog is unsafe. Furthermore, throwing any uncommon objects at a dog will result in a unfavorable reaction. Obviously, dogs are familiar with balls, Frisbees, and other toys. Dogs learn early on that these objects are for play and not a threat. However, when a child waves an uncommon object such as a stick or throws a stone, the dog is going to try to protect itself.

4. Your child should learn how to safely play with a dog. As stated above, most dogs understand the difference between a toy and a threat. Teach you child not to tease the dog with the ball or stick. If the dog likes to chase a stick, then show it to the dog briefly and then throw it quickly. Do not allow the child to just wave the stick or ball and not follow through with the throw. This may result in the dog trying to grab the stick from the child, resulting in a fall or other injury.

5. Children need to understand that sudden movements around dogs can be unsafe. Some dogs may sense these sudden movements as a threat and react negatively. Other more playful dogs may become excited and try to engage in a rougher form of play with your child. Dogs can playfully nip, jump, or bump you child.

6. You should also caution your child about running around dogs. Some breeds will playfully chase and may become too rough. While the dog's behavior is not aggressive, it can result in an injury. This is how dogs play with each other, but most of would agree it is not the best way for humans to play with their dogs.

7. Children should learn which parts of a dogs body are more sensitive to touch. Most dog breeds will react strongly to having their tail pulled or stepped on. Many dogs do not like to have their paws touched. Their feet are sensitive and your child should avoid touching this area. Also, try to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, and whisker areas.

8. Teach your children to avoid aggressive dog breeds. Pit bulls and other guard type breeds have garnered a great deal of press in recent years. However, you may be surprised to learn that a recent study by the University of Pennsylvania found that the three most aggressive dog breeds are dachshunds, chihuahuas, and Jack Russell terriers. Obviously these small breeds are not going to do much harm to an adult. But any bite to a toddler or small child could result in a more significant injury.

[evgnspaces]

on 7/20/2009 Very nice article on teaching children dog safety this works for adults too.

[tamby2112]

on 6/5/2009 Fantastic facts and information on ~ How to teach children dog safety. So many useful points! Some people don't understand that playful dogs can still cause harm to children. If even by accident! Great job. 5*s

[starlet67]

on 5/21/2009 This is a great family article! Children DO need to be taught how to be safe around dogs!5*

[Mindee94]

on 5/20/2009 Potentially life saving tips! Thanks for the thorough and well put pointers on how to teach wee ones the safe and fun way to enjoy our fine four legged friends.

[MIHealthCoach]

on 5/15/2009 GREAT advice and a front page worthy article for sure! All parents should teach their kids proper dog handling strategies. My daughter was bitten by a Dachshund once.