Best Paw Forward, Inc. Dog Training Center

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Information for Parents'
About Kids and Dog Safety

The First Step In Bite Prevention

All children should be taught to respect other living beings, animal or human. From birth, children need to learn that some things are just not allowed, and "be gentle" should be a common household command. Even if your household does not contain animals, your children should still be taught the basics. One day a child will encounter an animal, whether it is somebody else's pet in a controlled environment, or a meeting on the street with a strange dog.

The Basics in Dog Safety

Be Gentle

This is so important, but so many parents don't notice how rough children can be on occasion. A gentle hand will carry them through so many different situations in life, not just meeting animals.
When your child approaches a dog, show how to pet "gently." Do not allow pulling or squeezing of ears, fur, tail etc., but a gentle rubbing of the fur, or feeling of the ears is okay. If your child has an enthusiastic grip, use a stuffed animal rather than practicing on a real dog. A dog might not be as patient with grabbing hands as you would think. Our rule of thumb: The child cannot do anything to the dog that we would prohibit him doing to a human infant - an easy guideline that allows for different rules for different age groups.

The Right Approach

This is very important! From the time they can first understand, you must teach your children how to approach a dog properly! What is the right way to approach a dog? Approach his owner first and ask permission.
Saying "Hello" after permission is given: Approach at a slow walk; never run up to a dog because he might be frightened. Hold your hand out, palm down, and let the dog sniff you. Let him decide how close he wants to get. Many dogs love attention, but the first few moments of every new meeting is critical. A correct approach will likely have the new dog sidling in closer for hugs and kisses

Fear Factor

Please don't bring your children up to fear all dogs, even if you do. A child who was taught fear will react to a strange dog in a way that may make the situation even worse. Teach them to respect dogs and all other animals instead. Respect animal boundaries, and do not run from them

Meeting A Strange Dog With No Owners Present

It is very important to keep a cool head during these moments. Do not do what your instincts may tell you to do. The first instinct is often "scream and run" which might entice a dog to give chase. Instead, using a loud, firm voice, tell the dog to "go home." If he doesn't leave, don't panic.
What is he doing? Is he just watching you, curiosity in his posture (ears perked, relaxed tail wagging, relaxed stance)? If this is how he looks, just walk away calmly. Again, do not run

Is he standing in a threatening manner? Are his ears laid back along his head, his body tense, his tail up (may or may not be wagging slowly or stiffly, don't be fooled): this is a threatening posture. Tell him to "Go lay down" in a firm voice. Do not yell, do not scream. Any sudden move on your part may trigger an attack. Start to walk away or back away slowly. Do not make any sudden moves. If he starts to advance on you, and lunges, drop into a "turtle" position, and yell for help. Parents, if you come across your child in this position, do whatever you have to do to safely get the dog away.

Never Run Away From A Dog

Running will only trigger a "prey" response, and a dog that may have been content to sit and watch will suddenly chase. Even a dog whose only intent is to "play" may cause devastating results when the "prey" is caught.

Never Approach a Dog When He is Eating

Parents, this should be common sense, every child should know this, whether you have pets in the home or not. Of course you will also teach your dog to handle people around the food dish.

Dog Owners, if your dog is food protective, please take the time to gently train him out of it.

Parents! Never Leave Your Child With a Dog Unattended!

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and even the gentlest family dog will bite if he is in pain, or if he has just "had enough."

Parents, please don't hesitate to call animal control if a loose dog ever threatens you or your child. Loose dogs are a menace, and irresponsible owners should be held accountable. Dog owners that do not care where their dogs go and what they do should not be dog owners, period.

"BPF has a Kid Friendly Dog Safety presentation available for small and large groups of school age children. Please contact PJ or Sandy for further information."

Good Safety Links For Kids and Parents


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