| Recent events in the UK have fuelled the | | | | - Most barking, excited dogs you meet in |
| debate over dogs and children. The death of a | | | | parks may wish to chase you but are not |
| five month old baby after being attacked by | | | | intending you harm. |
| two Rottweilers has saddened and shocked | | | | |
| everybody and our thoughts go out to that | | | | - Dogs are not generally aggressive unless |
| poor family. For a while there may well be an | | | | trained to be so. The danger lies in play |
| over-reaction but let's keep a clear head and | | | | which gets out of hand. Dogs are not little |
| look at the facts and what can be done to | | | | people in fur coats. They brains work |
| help keep children (and dogs) safe. The | | | | differently from ours. They can hurt a child |
| thoughts that follow are not the voice of an | | | | accidentally because they don't realize their |
| "expert" but they are an informed opinion. My | | | | actions will harm them. |
| interest in animal behavior is that of a | | | | |
| hobby not a career. | | | | - Two or more dogs are more likely to get too |
| | | | excited and go into attack mode. The pack |
| Some of the facts | | | | instinct rises up. |
| | | | |
| - It's very rare for a dog to attack a child | | | | - The only way a dog can tell you it doesn't |
| | | | like something is to move away or nip. Teach |
| - The most likely cause of an attack is | | | | children not to pester dogs who are trying to |
| teasing - NEVER tease or provoke a dog, | | | | get away. |
| however friendly | | | | |
| | | | - A distressed dog will sometimes warn by |
| - Most family dogs accept and protect the | | | | snapping into the air. This is only intended |
| family children but should never be left | | | | to communicate their displeasure but they can |
| alone with them. | | | | catch a child in the face accidentally. |
| | | | |
| - Stand still if a dog threatens you. It is | | | | - Don't touch a strange dog without checking |
| instinctive for a dog to chase something | | | | with the owner that it's okay first. |
| moving. | | | | |
| | | | - Take extra precautions if your dog shows |
| - Generally watch out for growling, pricked | | | | any jealousy towards a child. You may want to |
| upright ears pointing at you and a stiff tail | | | | consider whether you should keep him in those |
| held high. (Unfortunately some dogs so enjoy | | | | circumstances. |
| a chase that they may wag their tails as if | | | | |
| they were friendly when they are not, so try | | | | Treat dogs with respect, as fellow creatures |
| to get to understand doggie body language.) | | | | not playthings. Don't rob them of their |
| | | | heritage and dignity. The relationship |
| - The best defense is to become familiar with | | | | between humans and dogs has been rewarding on |
| dogs and their signals. | | | | both sides. Let's celebrate that. |
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