Most dogs will never bite anyone.
However, any dog may bite if it feels threatened. Children are the most common victims of
dog bites. Infants and young children should never be left alone with a dog. This handout
tells you how to teach your children to avoid getting bitten.What should I do if I want a dog for a pet?
Take time to learn about the breed of dog you want. To learn about dog breeds,
talk with a veterinarian, read books about dogs and search the Internet. Don’t get a
dog only because of the way it looks. If you have an infant or young child, think about
getting a puppy. Be especially careful if you have a baby in your house. Aggressive dog
breeds aren’t right for families with children. Neutered male dogs are generally less
aggressive.
Consider taking your new dog to obedience school. Keep your dog’s
immunizations up to date. Have your dog checked regularly by a veterinarian.
What do I tell my children about dogs?
- Don’t go near strange dogs.
- Never bother a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
- Tell an adult about any stray dogs.
- Always have an adult with you when you play with a dog.
- Never tease a dog.
- Never pet a dog without first letting it smell you.
What should I tell my children to do when a dog approaches
them?
- Don’t run away and scream.
- Stand very still, “like a tree.” (See first picture below.)
- Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked down, act “like a log.” (See second
picture below.)
- When the dog understands that you are not a threat, it will probably walk away.
- If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.
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| A dog is a wonderful addition to a family, but it
can be a problem if you aren’t careful. Always talk to children about how they should
act when they’re with a dog. Remember that dogs can feel threatened by new
surroundings or strangers. |
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