•
NATURAL
PET CARE ARTICLES •
• PET
CARE PRODUCTS •
Children
and Dogs
by
David the Dogman
The
most frequently bitten people are children. By the age of 14,
about half of all children have been bitten by a dog. The overwhelming
majority of bites occur in children under nine years of age, sometimes
resulting in both physical and emotional damage. Through an understanding
of canine behavior and preparation for what to do in the event
of a canine confrontation, many such bites can be avoided.
Most dogs are fun and safe to be with, but certain dogs, and it's
hard to tell which
|
| Pamper
Your Natural Pet at
the Balter Catalogue Company - Living is
only natural; let us help you live it more
naturally! |
|
|
|
ones, have their own set of "rules"
regarding children. Whether or not we humans feel the rules of
this minority appropriate, we must help our children become aware
of situations to avoid.
This
article is not meant to blame children if they are bitten. There
is rarely a good excuse for a dog biting a person, but knowing
the reasons a dog might bite, from the dog's point of view, may
be helpful in avoiding bites. Here are some statistics from Chicago
and Dallas University which were based over a three year period
of reported dog bites. Many are not reported. Of all dog bites
of children under four years of age, most were bitten in early
May.
Sixty percent were bitten on the head, neck and face, 90 percent
were bitten in their own home, 40 percent were bitten by their
own dog and 60 percent of the dogs had no previous history of
biting. Of all dog bites of children age four to 16, most were
bitten in early July. Eighteen percent were bitten on the head,
neck and face, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, 18 percent
were bitten by their own dog and 50 percent of the dogs had no
previous history of biting. Further studies showed that 51 percent
of the infants bitten were bitten in their cots and most were
bitten by their own pets. None of the reported bites were by strays,
and most were not witnessed by the parents.
This posed questions:
Why
were the dogs allowed in children's sleeping area's?
Where were the parents?
Many
of these potential bite situations can be avoided by providing
the proper training and environment for our pet dogs. It is not,
however, the intent of this article to give information on how
to bite-proof dogs, but rather how to bite-proof children.
You
can tell if a dog is upset.
Any
dog can bite, but most won't if you act the way you should around
them. The signs are: tail up, hairs on its back raised, baring
teeth and growling. If a child keeps on doing what makes the dog
angry, it might get angrier and perhaps bite. If the dog's ears
are laid back with the tail between the legs, it is scared. It
might run, but it might also bite if it cannot get away. Do not
go closer if it looks like that. If a child is bitten, he/she
should try to remember what the dog looked like and in which direction
it went.
The
child should tell an adult who can wash the wound with soap and
water. If a doctor has to be seen, ask for a report to take to
the police.
The
warning body language of aggressive dogs is:
Ears
erect, body stiff, tail high, hackles up.
A
fearful posture is:
Ears
back, body crouched, head low, tail tucked in.
Other
signs to watch for are:
Growling
and barking, lips lifting, teeth bared
Dogs
that have assumed either a defensive or offensive threat posture
frequently have a "critical zone". A child is safe around
this zone until entering the imaginary circle the dog has projected.
The problem is that this zone varies between dogs and can even
be different for the same dog if the situation changes. So it's
impossible for humans to accurately determine the critical zone.
A defensive threat posture is adopted by the shy or fearful dog.
It is hesitant, easily frightened, timid, tends to avoid certain
persons or things. Frequently, these traits are not noticed until
the dog encounters a new situation. The dog might assume elements
of the defensive threat posture when frightened.
Shy
dogs can be gentle, loving, obedient pets, but may try to bite
when frightened. The dog's motive is to chase that person away.
The problem is, we cannot always tell which people or actions
frighten the dog. The fearful dog may fool you by appearing brave.
The dog growls and raises the fur along the neck and back like
a brave/aggressive dog, but ears may be pinned back, body lowered,
tail between the legs. The tail may even be wagging, but a wagging
tail doesn't always mean a friendly dog. The dog might bark and
stare, but then turn away, only to turn toward you again and start
all over. This dog would really rather not deal with you and hopes
to frighten you away but, if pushed, it might bite.
An
offensive threat posture is when a dog is hostile, assertive,
ready for combat, dominant and self-confident.
It does so when provoked. The dog can be a loving and loyal pet
to his immediate family if given proper training, but this type
of dog can bite if challenged. The motive is to hurt the challenging
person. The problem is, we do not always know what the dog may
regard as a challenge. The brave/aggressive dog's offensive threat
posture, may include growling deeply, raised hackles, staring,
a show of fangs, standing tall with ears and tail erect and leaning
toward the opponent. If the situation is not handled carefully,
this dog might bite.
So
how does a child avoid getting bitten?
Never
touch a dog when it is feeding
Do
not tease a dog, its ears are not hankies.
If
chased by a dog while cycling, get off. Place the bike between
you and the dog. LOOK AWAY.
Avoid
packs of dogs, if confronted, do not run away or scream.
Do
not disturb a sleeping dog.
If
meeting a new dog, pat him on the side of the face, under the
chin or on the chest. Never place your head above a dog's head.
Crouch down, and approach on his level.
Ask
an owner if it is permissible to pat their dog. If it is, let
the dog sniff your knuckles to show you are a friend.
Do
not pat dogs in cars, it is a space they consider worth defending.
Do
not try to separate dogs fighting, go for help if necessary.
Never
approach a dog when it is chained up.
If
a strange dog comes up to you, stand still, like a lamppost
Children
and dogs can live happily together as long as they follow the
rules we have just been through. The presence of an adult is a
deterrent. Never leave dogs and children alone.
Commitment,
Firmness, but kindness.
Do
you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem
to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works
and lives in Marbella, Spain.
Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.thedogman.net.
David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers
and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years
and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police.
He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea
rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs.
David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and
the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check
chains, or any form of aggression.
David
The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home,
for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
