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Teach your children how to behave around dogs

On Behalf of | Mar 17, 2022 | Personal Injury

Most dogs are friendly and well meaning. However, even the sweetest pup can bite with the right provocation. If a dog feels threatened, they can bite in self-defense. They may bite if they feel scared or startled, or if they feel that you are trying to take something valuable away from them – such as their puppy or a bone.

Many adults understand how to interact safely with dogs. Young children, however, are more prone to loud outbursts and inadvertently rough behavior – which can quickly send a dog into self-preservation mode. Of the 4.7 million dog bites that occur in the U.S. each year, half of the victims are children between 5 and 9 years old.

In today’s post, we provide some key strategies to help your child avoid a dog bite:

  • Make sure your child knows to never approach a dog they don’t know.
  • Teach your child to avoid engaging with a dog who is eating or tending to their puppies.
  • Encourage your child to avoid making loud noises or sudden movements around dogs. Instead of running up to a dog, the child should let the dog come to them.
  • Instruct your child in how to pet a dog properly, using gentle pressure and touching the back of the dog only – unless the dog explicitly welcomes petting in other areas (such as rolling over and exposing their belly).
  • Teach your child how to respond to a hostile dog – by staying calm, backing away slowly and avoiding eye contact. Screaming and running away can provoke the dog further.

Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic experience, especially as a child. Equipping your child with the above techniques can help prevent unnecessary injury.