Protecting Dogs around Children

Children love animals and animals’ love children too, however there’s always an element of danger that has to be recognised.

The decision to bring a dog into a family home where children are present has to be one taken with care and forethought.

Keeping your child safe around animals is a priority and one that requires a number of factors to be considered.

According to statistics for example around 50% of all dog attacks are on children under the age of 12.

In addition, around 80% of all dog bites that result in A&E treatment involve children under the age of 15. So, the dangers are quite obvious and apparent.

Let’s take a look at how to reduce them.

Ground Rules:

Teach children to behave around dogs in an appropriate manner.

This is especially important if your child is not used to being around animals.

Children need to be taught what’s acceptable when interacting with an animal as they can often do things that will annoy it.

By laying these rules on how to act around an animal you greatly limit the chance of them doing something to annoy it.

Toddlers:

The vast majority of those that are injured by dogs are toddlers and these are also the ones likely to be most injured by dogs too.

It’s particularly important to keep an eye on the dog and child when playing together as the vast majority of toddlers severely injured or worse find it occurs when there’s nobody around to monitor behaviour.

Some pet insurance policies and companies cover such issues, however it’s hardly a lot of peace should one such problem occur.

Spay the Dog:

Spaying a dog prevents it from getting pregnant, however it also has another effect as it prevents it becoming angry or aggressive around people.

This is especially the case for male dogs.

If your dog has not been neutered, then it’s worth considering this as an action.

Boundaries:

Your dog should have expectations set for it and should know what’s acceptable to do and also what not to do. Be sure to research the sort of dog you have and also the traits that are associated with it.

Some dogs are happy to please owners, while others have traits that are not so subservient.

Use discipline in a firm way to ensure that the pet knows what to expect. The rules here need to be established from the first day and they should be put in place for both animals and also for pets to ensure rules are obeyed.

Exercise:

Exercise will result in your dog using up a lot of the energy that he or she would otherwise put into causing mischief. Dogs that aren’t well exercised are likely to cause more problems than those that are exercised.

Teaching older children to walk a dog or to throw a ball for it in the park is a good way to get it out and about and also to build up a rapport between it and the child. Ask your vet if you want any more recommendations regarding exercises for your dog as he or she will be happy to help. This will have the knock on effect of helping your dog behave and limit chances of injury.

Follow these tips and you can be a lot surer there will be fewer issues between dogs and children!