Teach Your Child To Avoid Dog Bites and Dog Attacks
Not every pest problem is some strange insect or unknown animal. Sometimes our animal friends such as dogs
become pests. And when that happens you and your children need to be prepared. Here are some suggestions
on how your children can avoid dog bites and dog attacks.
While parents cannot control every event, there are
measures and precautions you can take to help your child
avoid a dog bite. Teaching your child prevention
techniques may save him/her from a traumatic attack. For
example, children often become excited and rambunctious
around dogs, running around and hugging the animal. This
can make dogs nervous and cause them to lash out in a
violent manner. Teach your child to behave in a more
subdued and calm manner around dogs, as this will help calm
the animal's nerves and instinctual responses.
Also, make sure your child always asks the dog's guardian
for permission before petting the animal. Teach your child
to then approach the dog slowly and let the animal sniff
him/her before petting it. In addition, teach your child
how to properly pet a dog. Most dogs prefer to be petted
gently on their backs and sides and can become anxious, confused or
angry when a child is petting wildly.
It is important to know the behavioral instincts of dogs to
help prevent attacks. Dogs are naturally protective of
property and their owners. Therefore, teach your child not
to pet a dog that is playing with a toy, as the dog may
think the child is trying to take the toy away.
Dogs, even the family pet, are also very protective of their food. Do not
let your children interfere with a dog that is eating. If your family
dog growls at you or your child when it is eating from its dog bowl - take
its warning seriously and leave the dog alone.
Likewise, your child
should know not to pet a dog that is behind a fence, because the dog
may become protective of its property and lash out. Dogs
can also become protective of their space when riding in
vehicles, so children should also be careful about petting
animals in someone else's car.
While children most often interact with family's and
neighbors' pet dogs, they may encounter stray dogs. As
such, it is important to teach them a few basic techniques
to avoid provoking an attack.
First, they should know to never make
direct eye contact with the animal. The dog make take such eye contact as
a territorial challenge. Teach your child to
come to a standstill, if a strange dog approaches. Never
run away from a dog! Dogs, by nature, are geared to chase and attack running
prey. Rather, teach your child to back away
slowly from the animal and avoid sudden movements. Your child should move with confidence, but away
from the animal stranger.
Of course, not all dog bites and attacks can be avoided.
Even if you and your children take every precaution around
dogs, some animals will still attack. In the event of an
animal attack, seek medical attention immediately,
especially if the dog is a stray. Even wounds that seem
minor can easily become infected, if not properly treated.
About the Author: Kenneth L. Christensen founded The Christensen Law Firm,
PLLC, a personal injury law firm in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He specializes in car accident, dog bites, wrongful death
and serious injury cases. Learn more about Mr. Christensen
at http://www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com. For more information
on Utah dog bites, visit
http://www.utahaccidentlawfirm.com/practice_areas/dog-bite.cfm
News about Avoiding Dog Bites
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Understanding dog behavior is key to preventing bitesTahoe Daily TribuneBy Dawn Armstrong Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 20-26. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Almost half are children under 12 years old and those between the ages of 5 and 9 are at greatest ...and more » |
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Trainer Q&A: Dogs and kidsThe Seattle TimesThis is one pair of prospective parents not in denial about the possible risk their dog poses to kids. All dogs - young or old, sweet or shy, big or small - can bite. And all young kids behave unpredictably at times. So even if this dog behaved like ...and more » |
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Why I care about pit bullsNorthJersey.com (blog)Have you ever crossed the street to avoid someone walking a pit bull? Or met someone who automatically assumed your dog was dangerous while taking a stroll with your pet in the park? Fernando Camacho, a North Jersey dog trainer and rescue foundation ...and more » |
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Police dog bites teenager in the legABC OnlinePolice media's Sam Dinnison says the boy was later found hiding at the back of a house in Davies Crescent, but tried to avoid capture by jumping over a fence. "The police dog chased the offender and took him into custody by biting him to the leg," he ...and more » |
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Preventing rabies means avoiding wildlifeDaily American OnlineIn the past, human cases in the United States usually resulted from a dog bite, but recently, more cases of human rabies have been linked to bats and raccoons. Although dog bites are a common cause of rabies in developing countries, there have been no ... |
Houston Chronicle (blog) |
Family pets bit kids too!Houston Chronicle (blog)National Dog Bite Prevention week is coming up. It's May 20 through May 26. The United States Postal Service hopes two Texas cities – Houston and San Antonio – give that a lot of publicity. Last year Houston was number one in the United States for dog ...and more » |
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