A DogGone Good Idea from DogGone Safe - May 11

by Heddie Leger

A new study from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports more dog bites in recent years. Dog bites regardless of the intensity or severity are traumatic and can scar a person emotionally, if not physically. There are some myths that need to be dispelled regarding dog bites.

Myths vs Facts

Myth: A strange dog is more likely to bite.  While it is true that one should never approach a strange dog that they do not know and have not been properly introduced, the truth is that the majority of bites occur with dogs known to the person or child. All dogs should be approached carefully.

Fact: Why you may ask? Most of us will avoid a strange dog. We take undue liberties with the dogs we know and love. It is important for every dog owner to learn dog body language and the signals their dog provides nonverbally. Just because the dog lives with you does not mean he can read your mind and know everything you expect.

Myth: Dogs will bite without provocation.  While a situation might seem innocent enough and appear there was no provocation, the dog most likely was sending out messages that either were ignored or misinterpreted by the adult or child. Sadly, many people do not know the signs of imminent warning.

Fact: Never assume that a dog showing extreme tolerance for a child’s behavior and advances “loves children.” We often make the mistake of thinking that the dog can be trusted no matter what, do not supervise properly or do not intervene on the dog’s behalf when the dog begins to reach its limits of tolerance.  We all have limits of tolerance. Any parent can attest to that fact.

Simple Facts to Learn

Children must be taught the few simple facts about respectful and proper behavior with any dog whether it be the family dog, a friendly neighborhood dog or a strange dog. DogGoneSafe has a proven program which provides a few simple tips that even a three-year old can learn.

When out in public if a strange dog approaches, a child can be taught to pretend they are a tree. This program called “Be A Tree” is proven to keep children safe. The child is taught to stand very still pretending their feet are like tree roots, fold their arms (tree branches) under their armpits, and to look down toward their feet (watch the roots grow) and count in their heads, or hum a favorite song to themselves until help comes or the dog gets bored and goes away. This simple procedure can help children from being knocked down or mauled.

More frequently children encounter friendly dogs or spend time with their own dogs and are taught the basics of being kind to dogs, being gentle and not poking, pulling or sitting on the dog. Children are very capable of understanding this simple concept. They can also learn basic dog body language such as not to stare a dog in the eyes, not to run or wave their arms, kick their feet, or scream in the dogs ears, or pull their tail. They can also learn not to bother a dog with food, a toy, or a mother dog with puppies. Not to approach a dog that is on a chain, and not to tease a dog that is behind a fence, but to walk by slowly while looking down and away so as not to excite the dog further, and to NEVER throw anything at a dog, or stick anything through the dog’s fence. The children readily understand that the yard is the dog’s room (space) much like their own room and does not want strangers approaching their space.

Subtle Signals

Both adults and children can learn the subtle signals of anxiety their dog is sending. The most common being excessive lip licking, yawning, excessive panting, scratching, shaking off (like they are wet), sniffing the ground and trying to move away or look away showing the whites of their eyes. More information can be obtained by going to www.doggonesafe.com (specializing in dog bite prevention and education), www.apdt.com (pet owner information) or www.bestfriends.org (Pet Safety and Responsibility).

While dogs have lived by mans side peacefully for centuries, in more recent times, dogs are now part of the family in constant contact with humans. Dogs do not know English and people do not know dog body language. Dogs do have a language of their own. In order to live peacefully and safely with our beloved pets it will help diminish the chance of a dog feeling like it needs to bite if owners would learn these few simple tips in their daily interactions with their pets.

Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator. She  is recipient of the 2011 Excellence Award from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a Community Training Partner for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the local Kansas City Area Representative for the Animals and Society Institute.  Her compassion for animals extends to all species. You can reach her at the PawZone In-Home PetSitting (www.thepawzone) and The DogSpot Training Center.