Safety Issues: Kids and Dogs

Children and dogs just seem to go hand-in-hand. Many adults have very fond memories of their favorite dog when they were growing up. The bond between a pet and a child can be very strong. However, there are some safety considerations that need to be made before merging kids and dogs.

Consider the dog safety issues that families may face when visiting friends and relatives that have dogs as pets. A small child needs to be prepared in order to ensure that she does not startle the dog. The dog needs to be prepared to deal with strange children. Preparation is crucial no matter what the situation is.

Remember that high pitched sounds resemble the sounds made by animals of prey. The dog may become very defensive if a child is screaming and running in his direction. This may cause him to attack, thinking that he needs to protect himself. The child means no harm, of course, but the dog’s instincts are too strong.

The child needs to learn how to behave around dogs. There are certain rules that the child needs to follow. Approaching a strange dog is out of the question. This is a non-negotiable that the child needs to follow through. The child may ask the owner if it is all right to touch the animal but she should never simply touch the dog or approach the animal without guidance.

A dog may attack if a kid screams and runs away. The dog may instinctively run after the child as a result of a natural chase response that is part of the canine’s wiring. The problem with this instinct is that it is very difficult to get the dog to stop once he has started.

General Child Safety Rules Around Dog

1. A very young child should not be left alone with a dog, even if they are familiar with each other.

2. The dog and child should be separated during meals, snacks and the dog’s feeding time.

3. Provide the pet with a place to retreat if he gets overwhelmed. This place should be off limits to children.

4. Teach children to how to pet a dog in a calm, relaxed manner.

5. Urge kids to avoid hugging and hitting the animal, especially around the head and neck area.

6. Teach the children to avoid screaming and running past the dog.

7. Do not teach the dog to play tug-of-war if he is going to be around children. The dog may use the child’s clothing or appendages as a tug-of-war toy.

8. Avoid leaving the dog tied in the yard alone for long periods of time. Unsupervised animals can become agitated very easily.

These are just a few suggestions for parents and dog owners to consider. There are many more that are ideal for ensuring a safe environment for interaction. Proper education and training are key factors in the safety of both pets and kids. A great approach to starting off right is through proper supervision and modeling the appropriate behavior around dogs.

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