Dog Safety Tips
In Australia, young children under 5 years of age have the highest risk of serious dog bites. For USA, according to AAP, every year there are more than 4.7 million Americans bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14. (I am afraid there’s a number of cases happening in other places as well.)
You might have noticed that National Dog Bite Prevention Week has started from May 21 to 27. AAP has some quick tips to help parents protect their children.
Here are some more quick tips for teaching children about dog safety (via GSK)
- Do not disturb a sleeping dog
- Never approach a dog that is eating or chewing a bone
- Show children how to introduce themselves to dogs
- Ask the owner’s permission before approaching a dog
- Approach from the side, not the front or back
- Focus on the dog’s feet (not its eyes) until the dog gets to know them
- Slowly hold out the back of a hand and let the dog sniff it. If the dog does not sniff or backs away, DON’T try to pat it.
- Stroke the dog gently on the side of the chest or under the chin. Do not pat it on the top of the head or shoulders.
- If approached by a dog, stand still, hands by sides, until the dog sniffs and passes. Avoid eye contact with the dog.
Dogs and kids: keeping it safe [gsk.com.au]
May 25th, 2006 at 5:43 am
Now this is useful stuff.
I am a dog owner, so I am aware of these tips, but I have found that many, many parents don’t know how to handle their child around dogs. On one hand they are nervous and don’t want their child to be injured (fair enough), on the other hand, most don’t want to instill a blanket fear of dogs in their little one either.