In the UK there are around 8.6 million pet dogs and thankfully only a tiny percentage of these dogs are ever involved in bite incidents with children. However, media sensationalism has made dog bites a hot topic. The Scottish government are currently running a microchipping consultation in which they propose muzzling ALL dogs in public (please see the link and details at the bottom of this page).
This proposal overlooks a very important statistic, most of these dog bites occur in the home! An effective solution to increase child safety around dogs is available; without changing the law, without muzzling, without media sensationalism.
I grew up in a multi-Doberman household, during a time where the breed was widely publicised as a "devil dog". We had simple house rules, stringently applied by my mum's supervision of our interactions. Here are the rules she gave us:
1. Do not go near the dogs if they are eating, unless you are doing the feeding
2. Do not ever touch the dogs when they are asleep, or in their bed.
3. Do not sit on, cuddle, tug, poke or squash the dogs...never!
4. NEVER EVER put your face close to the dog's face, or back them into a corner
(Yes my mum was a nag wasn't she? shhhh...don't tell her I said that!)
(Yes my mum was a nag wasn't she? shhhh...don't tell her I said that!)
Simple. Effective. Easy for kids to understand. Common sense rules........so why are so many children not being asked to follow them?
As a puppy trainer I take my responsibility to educate owners seriously and at our Puppy Class - with Newton Mearns Vets4Pets - we provide many tips to our new puppy owners.
Dog bite prevention should not be down to muzzles, microchips and courts cases. There is a chain of responsibility which starts with the breeder and continues with the owners, parents and children. If each link in this chain lives up to their responsibility, this is how we can truly prevent more bite incidents and tragedies.
BREEDERS
- Pups being sold to pet homes should be responsibly bred, from parents with suitable temperaments
- Puppies should receive handling and socialisation before going home (see www.thepuppyplan.com)
- New homes should be vetted for suitability
PARENTS
- Parents should source their pup/dog from a responsible breeder (or rescue), by doing research and not impulse buying.
- Strong consideration should be given to the nature of the breed you intend to bring home. Lifestyle mis-match is a common cause of dog behaviour issues.
- Parents should create and enforce common-sense rules for their children
- Parents should learn how to read the warning signs that often precede dog bites & how to respond to these
- Parents should never leave dogs and kids unsupervised
- Take your puppy to a great training school, to help them learn about appropriate interaction (www.puppyschool.co.uk)
There are lots of free and cheap resources available to help parents. You will find a list of reputable sources at the end of this blog.
DOG OWNERS WHO DON'T HAVE KIDS
- Find a reputable training class for controlled, positive socialisation opportunities with kids (www.puppyschool.co.uk)
- Seek professional help if your dog shows any negative behaviour towards kids (www.apbc.org.uk www.petprofessionalguild.com)
KIDS
- Kids should be educated to follow simple common sense rules (like the ones I followed as a child)
- Kids should be educated to understand dog communication
- Kids should learn to respect dog's personal space and ask permission to pet strange dogs
There are GREAT resources available designed specifically for kids, including those for educators. Please see the list at the end of this blog.
VETS, TRAINERS, EDUCATORS
- Anyone having contact with kids, dogs and owners can help distribute resources and information listed below
Using education, personal responsibility and common sense we can reduce incidents between dogs and children, without changing the law, without courts and without the need to muzzle millions of innocent pet dogs.
We hope you enjoyed this blog. We'd love to receive your comments. www.glasgowdogtraining.co.uk
To oppose the proposal to muzzle ALL dogs in public, please click the link below. You will find the questions at the end of the consultation on microchipping.
RESOURCES CREATED FOR KIDS
FREE
Sophia Yin & Lili Chin illustrations - Click here
Doggone Safe - interactive game & video Click here
£10 OR LESS
The Blue Dog - interactive DVD and educational resources Click here
The Canine Commandments - By Kendal Shepherd Click here
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, OWNERS & EDUCATORS
Sophia Yin Training Blog Click here
Doggone Safe Click here
Dogs Trust Education Click here
Kennel Club Safe & Sound Click here
