Prevent a bite! Get insight!

EDUCATION is the key to empowering children in a variety of situations to make smart and safer choices. This is especially true when it comes to dogs. Children are advised to ask a stranger "May I pet your dog?"

We also teach to ask "Is your dog friendly?" Is this the safe advice? Why is it we tell our kids not to talk to strangers but we somehow trust strangers with dogs to be honest about their dog's behavior?

This is a very risky action. As a canine behavior consultant I can tell you that many dog parents do NOT like to share their dog's feisty behavior record. It is with this in mind that I suggest and recommend that parents and children become familiar with canine body language so that they can take the full situation into consideration. Here are some things to consider:

1. Are there other dogs in the area?
2. Is it a crowded noisy environment?
3. Are you confident that this person would tell you if their furry baby has a bite history?
4. Is the dog listening to the handler?
5. Is the dog interested in interacting?
A. Is it hot?
B. Is the dog tired?
C. Is it fearful?
6. Are there many children wanting to pet the dog all at once?
7. Is your child wound up and really excited?
8. Is your child eye-level with the dog?
9. Does your child have food on its hands, face, or clothing?
10. Is the dog showing fear?
A. tucking tail
B. turning its head away, licking lips.
C. cowering, growling or shaking
D. hiding behind handler
E. closed mouth

These are just some of the things that need to be taken into consideration before parents allow their children to meet an unfamiliar and even familiar dog. The key to setting kids up for success with our canine friends is providing education that will help them to recognize a safe and unsafe situation.

For more information on dog bite statistics and prevention, visit www.familypaws.com Handouts on dog bite prevention are available for reprint by request.