Dog Safety: Kids and Dogs

There are  a few things that we should keep in mind when owning and handling dogs. These will not only protect the dog but will also protect your children.

First, you need to be gentle with dogs. Kids can be rough with dogs and dogs do not like this. You can show them how to gently pet the dog. Make sure that they don’t pull on the dog’s ears and tail or grab their fur. Try using a stuffed animal first before letting your child get in contact with real dogs.

Remind your child that there is a proper way of approaching a dog and it would always be best to ask for permission from the owner.

When the owner allows your child to approach the dog, tell them to walk to it slowly and not run. Let the dog sniff your hand by holding out hand with your palm facing down. Don not rush to cuddle the dog. Let the dog get near you. The first meeting with a dog will make or break the relationship.

Teach your child that not all dogs are mangy, scraggly, menacing and vicious. The important thing to teach the child is to respect dogs and not to fear dogs.

If in case you meet a dog without its owner or astray, firmly tell it to go home. Do not run. If he doesn’t, then try to see what the dog is trying to do by paying attention the dog’s body language. If a dog’s ears are laid back and his tail is tense and not wagging, most likely the dog is not in a good mood. If this is the case, try to walk away slowly. Don’t make any quick and sudden movements. If he attacks you, duck and yell for help.

Never ever run away from a dog. Prey runs away from the predator. So if you run away from the dog, it would mean that you are up for a chase. And it may not stop until you’re caught.

A dog may not be in its best when it’s eating. So don’t pat the dog while he is eating because some dogs are very protective of their food. If the dog is food protective, you can train him out of the habit.

Lastly, supervision is always the best way to keep your child safe. It would be best if you know where your child is and what he is doing to prevent any unwanted occurrences.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to keeping your children safe!