Kids & Dog Safety

Dog bite injuries can occur when a dog's motive to bite a person exceeds his inhibition to bite. Children, most commonly 12 and under, are more likely to be bitten by a dog than any other age group of people. Boys are even more likely to be bitten than girls because, as we all know, little boys are a rough and tumble little bunch! Please take the time and learn how to keep your children safe with ALL dogs, and educate yourself about the different things that factor into any dog biting. We think you'll be surprised to learn that dogs do not bite "unprovoked" as the media reports. There is ALWAYS a preventable reason. Most importanaly, we want ALL caregivers to remember to NEVER allow a child to be unsupervised with any dog. All dogs can bite, and children (especially small ones) don't know how to interact safely with dogs.


National Canine Research Council (For the benefit of both dogs and people, the NCRC publishes accurate, documented, reliable research on the human/canine bond, in order to promote common-sense, community safety, and compassion.)


Please visit Poppy's Place (an interactive web site that both parents and children will enjoy) to learn more about how you can keep your kids safe with dogs.

"No matter what you hear or assume, there is no 100% safe breed or cross of dog. Ultimately we make dogs what they are: good or bad. The time and effort put into a child and/or dog will determine how safely they interact together." ( Karen Peak - Author of Safe Kids / Safe Dogs)

Why dogs bite:

* When they are scared.
* When a dog has had puppies.
* When a dog is sick or hurt.
* When a dog is sleeping.
* When a dog is eating.
* When a dog is playing rough with another dog.
* When they haven't been trained or taught how to be nice or be nice.

What to do if you see a loose dog:

Sometimes when you're playing outside with your friends, or at the park, you might see a loose dog running around. If you see a loose dog, you need to:


* Stop running or screaming, or whatever you were doing.

* Walk slowly away from where the dog is at.

* If the dog walks towards you, freeze (like when you play freeze tag) and pretend to be a tree!

* Stay very quiet and still.

* Do not look at the dogs eyes. To a dog, this might mean that you want to fight with him.

* Be very quiet and still like a tree, and if the dog tries to jump on you curl up in a ball and pretend to be a turtle!

** If you have to play like you're a turtle, make sure you put your hands behind your neck and tuck your face down by your knees. Pretend that you're a turtle going in your shell. Now call for help if you need to!

Do you know how to pet a dog?

We aren't born knowing that some dogs bite, even if the dog knows us. And dogs aren't born knowing that some people just want to pet them or play. If you see someone walking a dog:


* Never run up and start petting or hugging the dog.

* First ask your mom, dad, grandparent or other adult caring for you, if it's okay to pet the dog.

* After getting permission from the person caring for you, walk (never run, hop or skip) over to the dog's owner and stop a few feet away so the dog can't jump on you.

* Politely ask "May I please pet your dog?"

* If the owner says yes, slowly walk over to the dog from the front (so he can see you) and let the dog sniff your closed fist, then gently pet his side or back.

* Do not bend over the dog or reach over his head. This might scare the dog.

* Don't jump or yell, this might scare the dog too.


NEVER EVER go with someone who asks you if you want to see a cute puppy or help find a lost dog. You need tell an adult caring for you what happened! Not all people are nice and may try to trick you into going with them.


Stay Dog Bite Free!

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What you should know about dog bite prevention

AVMA