Even good dogs bite when stressed...
According to the American Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (JAVMA ) Seventy percent of fatal dog attacks and more than half of bite wounds requiring medical attention involve children. And the most vulnerable youngsters are 5- to 9- year-old boys however, smaller children can also be seriously injured (JAVMA, Vol 218, No. 11, June 1, 2001). Their natural behaviors: running, yelling, grabbing, hitting, quick and darting movements, and staring, put them at greater risk for dog bite injuries. And their smaller size often results in closer proximity of face to muzzle.
Adults need to be proactive...
It's important for adults to not only supervise dog and child play but to also know the signals that a dog has had enough. Before a dog bites they warn us with stress signals and often these go unnoticed until an otherwise tolerant dog explodes surprising everyone. They have been patient possibly for years, and one day it just goes too far.
How dogs warn us...
Have you ever moved away from someone that you found threatening or pest, creating some physical space? So does your dog. Sometimes a dog will turn his head away from the offending child, or even show the whites of their eyes. And yawning, smacking their chops and excessive scratching or that big shake when the child finally leaves them alone, are all signs of stress. Excessive barking, rigid postures, and staring are danger signals. And they need to be taken very seriously.
Why do dogs bite?
Even dogs have days when they are not feeling well. Or maybe your older dog doesn't enjoy the company of children. Perhaps it is protection of home, place or possessions that gets your dog riled. Or perhaps the dog never learned bite inhibition and is nippy. Or the dog could have fear issues concerning the erratic behavior common to children, including grabbing toys from them, jumping over them, etc. Or the dog may perceive the child as prey. And he child could have accidentally or purposefully frightened or even hurt the dog, pulling its hair or tail. And rough play can easily get out of hand and go too far.
So what can we do to prevent dog bites?
Be aware and pay close attention to the behavior of both child and dog. Take the time to teach children the rules for playing with the dog which should include never bothering the dog when eating and drinking, resting or sleeping, no staring at the dog, chasing or physical roughness. Honestly evaluate your dog's behavior and temperament. Is your dog protective of you or his home or toys? Not every dog is cut our to be a social butterfly and even those with outgoing personalities can reach their limits so awareness and prevention is important. And if necessary keep them separated to keep both child and dog safe. Provide a nice quiet place for your dog to retreat to and don't let anyone bother him when he is trying to enjoy some "alone" time. As a therapy dog evaluator and director of the Camp Dream Street therapy team I am always looking for signs of stress in both my dog and those that accompany me on our visits.
A final word...
Involving your entire family in your dog's training helps to teach your dog to respect all family members and in turn teaches constructive ways for children to interact with the family pet including trick Rally, Agility and Dog Sports. For more information on preventing dog bites and constructive canine activities here are some useful links:
http://www.doggonesafe.com/why_dogs_bite
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-sports-101
(c)2013 Dorice Stancher, CPDT-KA Canines Can Do, llc. All rights reserved.
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