Dog biting

How To Keep Kids Safe

Kids receive most of the dog bites for various reasons. Children lack restraint, they tend to move fast and have a small size. Some dogs consider them competitors while other dogs may view them as prey.
So teaching a child the correct approach to greeting a dog is extremely important.

Rules for Avoiding Dog Bites:

* Never approach a strange dog. Do not pet a dog who is not with his owner.
* Ask permission from the owner before petting the dog.
* Wait for the dog to come to you.
* Do not approach a dog that is tied up, in a car or in a fenced yard.
* Let the dog sniff your hand by holding out your hand with the palm facing down.
* Do not pet a dog on the head or face, instead stroke his body gently in the same direction his hair grows.
* Don't stare the dog directly into his eyes.
* Never pull the dog's ears or tail. Never poke at his eyes, mouth or nose.
* Do not run from a dog.

What to Do if a Dog Threatens You:

For added safety, make sure your child know what to do if threatened by a dog.

* Stand still, do not run and do not turn your back to the dog.
* Don't look the dog directly in his eyes.
* Back away from the dog slowly.
* If the dog moves toward you, command him to go home with a low voice.
* If a dog attacks you, curl into a ball and use your arms and hands to protect your head and neck. If you have a jacket or backpack, try to place between you and the dog.

Why Train Your Dog?

Obedience training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given.

For example, many stores and businesses that normally won't allow dogs on their premises will make an exception for a puppy or a dog that will heel nicely by his owner's side, or will do a sit-stay or down-stay without hesitation.

And when company arrives in your home, there's no need to banish a well-behaved dog to another room for fear that he will be a royal nuisance. Moreover, because a well-mannered, obedience-trained dog is both appreciated and welcome, he receives more attention and interaction from family members, visitors, and passers-by, than does the ill-mannered dog.

Training serves to strengthen the bond between a dog and his owner. It builds communication, understanding, and mutual respect, and subtly but effectively demonstrates to your dog that you're the leader of the pack (commonly referred to as the "Alpha"). And if your dog doesn't respect you as his leader, you may both be in big trouble, particularly if he's a bit rowdy or dominant by nature.

Obedience training also gives the dog owner the voice control necessary to prevent numerous potential tragedies. For instance, should a dog slips out of his collar in the middle of a congested traffic intersection, he can be safely heeled across the street, then given a sit command to facilitate putting his collar back on. Or should someone accidentally leave the front door open, and you spot your dog leaving, he can be safely called back to you using the recall command.

Statistics also show that puppies which receive early socialization, obedience, and temperament training (aggression prevention training) are far less likely to end up being destroyed by the time they turn three years of age than those that do not receive this early training.