Make Your Home A No Bite Zone

Every year some 2.8 million children suffer dog bites. In most cases it’s their own dog or a dog they know well who is doing the biting. The key to avoiding bites and helping kids and companion animals become buddies is teaching your child to read the signs that indicate your dog or cat is becoming uncomfortable or frightened. When agitated, a cat may twitch his tail and lay his ears flat, for example. When a dog is enjoying an interaction, his mouth will be open, his face will be relaxed, and if there’s a pause in the action, he’ll stay close and want more attention. However, if a dog is only tolerating an interaction, his mouth will be closed, you may see the whites of his eyes, and he’ll likely turn his face away from the child. Given an opportunity, the dog will usually walk away from the child.
Your best bite-avoidance strategy is to encourage kids to change their behavior before a pet is forced to defend himself. Children should learn to respect an animal’s needs. Don’t disturb animals while they are sleeping or eating. Just like their humans, animals also need a place to get away from the commotion of active family life. Provide a place where they can retreat, recharge the batteries and come back ready to join the fun.
—Christine Hamer, CDBC, co-author of Parenting with Pets: the Magic of Raising Children with Animals, and Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, author of Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind. For a free Dog‐Savvy Kids Club Kit, visit www.dogsavvykidsclub.com.