New book puts kids at risk of being bitten by dogs; Nothing is sweeter than a loving child-pet
relationship but AVSAB warns of the dangers face-kissing poses
to kids and dogs.
TheDogPress
Staff Jan 2011 | It’s cute, innocent, and natural but while most kids have a special
bond with pets, the AVSAB says children under the age of 10 are among
those most commonly bitten by dogs. Dog bite statistics further reveal
that children who receive medical attention are most bitten in the face.
This is due to the proximity of a child’s face to the dog’s level,
especially when children seek to kiss the dog.
Many factors can contribute to dog bites in children, and one such
factor is hugging and kissing by kids. Consequently, the American
Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) strongly advises that
parents avoid purchasing the recently released children’s book Smooch
Your Pooch for their kids. The book recommends that children “Smooch
your pooch to show that you care. Give him a hug anytime, anywhere.”
This information can cause children to be bitten.
We couldn’t agree more. Even the family dog can react instinctively to a
child grabbing the head, jowls, or ears in order to plant a big kiss on
the dog’s nose. If the child persists (as youngsters are prone to do)
the dog can feel trapped, become confused and snap at the child.
Says one AVSAB member, Dr. Ilana Reisner, whose area of research is dog
bites and children, “Although some dogs are not reactive about being
kissed and hugged, these types of interactions are potentially
provocative, leading to bites.”
In a study published by Reisner and her colleagues at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, records of bites to 111
children were examined. Says Reisner, “We looked at dogs that had bitten
children and found that most children had been bitten by dogs that had
no history of biting. Most important here,” says Reisner, “familiar
children were bitten most often in the contexts of "nice"
interactions—such as kissing and hugging —with their own dogs or dogs
that they knew.”
The study also found that in addition to biting when they are hugged,
kissed, bent over or sometimes simply petted, dogs are reactive when
approached/touched while resting, when they have anything they consider
"high value" (food, toys, a favorite blanket, or even the parent), and
when they are hurt or frightened. These are the types of situations
where children who have read Smooch Your Pooch may seek to interact with
their dogs.
AVSAB recommends that children play with dogs in a more productive way
such as by playing fetch or training tricks. They suggest children avoid
approaching or interacting with dogs who are lying down, resting or
sleeping. Parents should teach children to interact with the dog only
when the dog approaches willingly.
Families with children are encouraged to train their dogs to come to
them to be petted by having treats ready to reward the dog for
approaching.
While that is good advice, we suggest proper leash training to establish
control and basic obedience. This helps the puppy find his proper place
within the “pack”. When the puppy has been taught to walk without
pulling or forging ahead, and to sit on command, he will more clearly
understand that all humans, regardless of size, are dominant.
The flip side of the coin is to closely supervise children of all ages
until you are absolutely convinced the child respects his new best
friend. Most bites are in fact provoked, from the dog’s point of view. A
small child may strike the dog in frustration when it doesn’t let go of
a toy or in some other way, “disobeys” the child who is trying out
dominance skills. A growl and snap that would signal a canine playmate
to “back off” can result in injury to a human child.
We thank the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior for noting
the bad advice contained in Smooch Your Pooch and for alerting parents.
For current Dog Bite Statistics and much more, put
Gold Digger
to work. for you.
CDC Dog Bite Statistics
Insurance, BSL, and Local Law, by Katharine Dokken
The Three Most Aggressive Dog Breeds - by John Woestendiek, The Baltimore Sun
Smooch The Pooch Bad Advice, new book puts kids at risk of being bitten in face...
Nat. Dog Bite Statistics and state laws for dog bite victims, dog owners, lawyers.
http://www.thedogpress.com/SideEffects/Smooch-Pooch-11013.asp
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