While Fido may get along famously with your children and others, you can’t be sure of everyone else’s dogs.
A recent article in the Toledo Blade stated:
Indeed, each year 4.5 million people are reported bitten in the United States, and the primary victims are children between the ages of 5 and 9, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you’ve got young children, it’s important to teach them basic dog safety tips so that they can prevent dog bites and attacks. Here are a few basic must-haves:
- Kids should approach dogs slowly and calmly. Too much excitement can cause the dog to become stressed.
- Don’t hug a dog or try petting it on the head, and approach from the side. If a dog feels trapped or uncomfortable, he may become stressed and more inclined to bite.
- Don’t try to grab its food or toys, especially when in use. Some dogs are protective of their belongings.
- Leave the dog alone when he’s resting in his bed. Dogs need their personal space too.
- Don’t chase the dog if he walks away from you.
- It’s good to get kids in the habit of asking the dog owner before petting or feeding a treat to the dog. In some situations, the dog owner doesn’t get the chance to say “no” until it’s too late.
Do you have more tips to add to this list? Leave a comment below!