INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
ON DOG SAFETY

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There are approximately 52 million dogs in the U.S. Every year, 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S., with 756,000 cases requiring medical attention. The victims are usually children under the age of ten, and the majority of bites are to the face. Most bites occur while the dog is leashed, fenced, chained or indoors. 50% of fatal dog attacks since 1965 occurred when the dog was chained or in its own yard/kennel. Most dog bites are caused by the family pet or a familiar dog. Dog experts agree that almost 100% of dog bites are preventable through both education and increased owner responsibility.

Mac, a much-loved and normally well-behaved family pet, bit the face of a teenage girl who tried to kiss him on the nose.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Read the Rules of Dog Safety with your child.
2. Breed statistics regarding dog bites are seriously flawed. Teach your child that all dogs bite, regardless of the breed or size.
3. Teach your child to respect dogs, not fear them.
4. Never leave babies or young children alone with a dog.
5. Teach your child to never run toward or away from a dog.
6. Teach your child to "Stand Like a Tree" with hands covering their face and count to 50 if approached by a strange dog.
7. Supervise your child when around dogs, even a dog you are familiar with.

Pass this information along to other parents!

1. Never put your dog in a situation where it may feel the need to act defensively. Be aware of what makes your dog nervous. For more information, read Out of the Blue.
2. Have it spayed/neutered. Most bites are inflicted by dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
3. Enroll in obedience classes-It’s never too late! Even a 7 year-old dog can learn new commands and change their behavior.
4. Keep your dog contained in the yard or house. Don’t tie it outside.
5. If a child wants to pet your dog, make sure it approaches your dog calmly and appropriately. If you are not 100% certain that your dog is OK with children, don't be afraid to say NO and walk away.
6. If your dog shows any signs of toy, food, dog or other types of possession or aggression with you or any member of your family, contact a professional trainer immediately.

Healthy, well-socialized dogs rarely, if ever, bite 'out of the blue'. Most often, dog owners do not recognize the signs that their dog is nervous, fearful, possessive, or ill until the dog bites someone. For more information on recognizing these signs, read Out of the Blue.

Educate yourself and your family members with these rules. Always remember, just because a dog hasn't bitten does not mean that they won't - given the right, or wrong, circumstances any and all dogs will bite!

This is a great article about dog bites to children