Dogs And Kids Are Bites Inevitable
Closely followed on the heels of can we keep him might sound the piercing shriek that happens when the new pooch has nipped your golden haired offspring. What is worse, however, is the alarming statistic which reveals that young children are actually at the highest risk for receiving harmful and even fatal dog bites by dogs that might not be living in their homes but instead may be a neighbors pet or a friends dog.
Fortunately, there are decisive steps you can take to keep dogs and kids safe and ensure that bites are not inevitably the outcome of close interactions.
Prior to adopting a dog from the local shelter or purchasing one from the breeder, interact with the animal for a prolonged period of time. Come back the next day and introduce your children to the dog. Do so slowly and carefully and only after your children are thoroughly trained how to approach the animal in a non-aggressive manner. Have a third party hold the dog on a leash and keep your kids just barely out of reach. If the animal suddenly goes after your child, it will be restrained and you know before bringing it home that this is a dangerous dog around children, although it might do great in an adult only household. Incidentally, you will greatly reduce the risk of this happening by adopting or purchasing a puppy instead of a fully grown animal.
Train your dog to socialize appropriately. This means exposing its tummy a sign of ultimate submission not only to you but also to your children. Dogs that will do so are highly unlikely to even attack your child.
Set very clear boundaries for your children. Dogs that are eating are never to be disturbed, and some areas of the dogs anatomy namely the head and the behind are off limits to little hands. Many dogs may nip if little hands poke eyes or probe ears and this is an interaction that is easily avoided.
Neuter a male dog as soon as it is old enough for the procedure. Neutering is known to greatly reduce the aggression an animal feels and displays and thus is vital around children.
Teach your children how to act around an aggressive dog. Teach them to not run but instead stand still, to not scream but instead be quiet, and to not approach a strange dog, even if it looks like it might be hurt. In this case it is best to find an adult to help right away.
Even though your dog most likely will be treated like a family member, do not forget that it is a wild animal at heart. Although most dogs will not attack a person, there are some that may suddenly revert to that old instinct. A good dose of caution even around the family bet will make the relationship bearable between dogs and kids and bits will not be inevitable but instead a rare exception to the norm.
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