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