Keeping your kids safe around dogs

A couple of suggestions to add to their list:

Pay as much attention to the owner as you do to the dog. Are they in control or is the dog? Not all exuberant dogs are out of control, but it certainly increases your chances of an accident.

When approaching a dog turn slightly to one side or the other. Directly facing him is an aggressive action.

When invited to pet a dog, let him sniff your fingers and touch him below his mouth before attempting to pet the top of his head. Raising your hand over his head can also be seen as aggressive.

And when it comes to an invitation to touch the dog, pay as much attention to him as you do to the owner. If the dog is tense and jumpy you might be better off saying thanks but no thanks.

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A dog who is wagging it's tail isn't *always* happy to see you. Some also wag out of nervousness or aggression. A happy dog will have a bright expression, the ears will be perked up (or forward in the case of a floppy-eared breed like a Golden Retriever), he may be play-bowing, dancing or wiggling in some other way, along with that tail-wag.

An aggressive or hostile dog will be stiff, have a fierce look in the eye (not blinking, be staring or looking for eye contact). The ears may be forward or back, but they won't be moving. The dog may also have hackles up.

Again, your best bet is to judge not only the dog's body language, but the owner's as well. Some owners think their dogs are the bees knees, and ignore the fact that their precious little Cujo is baring his teeth and preparing to shred anything that comes near it.

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Also see AKC's info on kid safety around dogs: http://www.akc.org/public_education/resources.cfm?page=4

There's a video and other info they will send out for free to schools, community groups, etc.

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I totally agree that you need to watch the dog's owner just as much as you do the dog. I have 2 large breed dogs (a German and an Australian shepherd). When I'm walking or running with them, it's the inattentive owners that drive me crazy! It's akin to defensive driving - be on the lookout for the other drivers.

And also in my experience, it freaks me out when parents just let their children run up to me and the dogs without first asking permission. You don't know me or my dogs and why take the chance? If asked permission to approach my dogs, I'm able to get the dogs ready (either in a sit or down stay) to receive the well-meaning pats and scratches from curious children and know that I'm in control of the situation at all times.

The responsibility lies on both sides, that of the dog owner as well as the parent.

And thank you Kim for posting the link to the AKC page for the video!

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The best way to keep your kid safe around dogs is not to believe the owner when he/she says, "Oh, he won't bite..."

Doug
http://www.dadbloggers.com

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And remember just becuase the dog is small doesn't mean it won't do harm. There is a dog that visits my work. He has always been freindly with me. So I had no histation when my ds and I walk by him. Until the dog lunged at my son's face. We weren't even trying to pet it we just walked by, It was a toy poodle mix.
My dog was attacked by 3 chihuahua's, and another neighbors jack russel. Needless to say small dogs worry me more then big dogs.

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I was attacked by a pit bull who broke through the owner`s glass door.
I was 6, and on my way home from school.

I definitely second the "put something between you and the dog" one. I spun around and hit the dog with my backpack, then held it over my face when the dog knocked me down. It ripped my bag up, but managed to keep him from getting my face for the 30 or so seconds it took for neighbors to attack the dog and get him off of me.

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I echo the above comments. PLEASE don't let your kids approach strange dogs, even small ones - there have been frequent recorded maulings by these inbred small breed "designer dogs", so not even a Chihuahua is safe if you don't know it.

Even if you do know the dog, ask the owner before initiating contact with the dog. It's not a good idea to let your kid approach at eye level, either - a dog's face should never approach theirs!

And never allow your child to hurt a dog, even out of ignorance - some dogs, especially those with abuse in their past, will react even to an ear-pull or a toddler stepping on their paw.

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I agree with the above two post, ask the owners first. I have a large breed (ch. Lab) and she is wonderful around children. She will lay down or sit and allow a child to pull, bite, lay, whatever they want to to her, she loves it. On the other hand, she isn't as friendly with adults. Esp. with ones she doesn't know and think that b/c of her breed she is okay to just reach out and pet. Always ask b/c you touch. At least that way I can prepare her for someone she doesn't know and can handle the situation.

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