Dog Safety

Dog Attacks and Children
 
We see it every year, and it's a sad fact, but children often get attacked by dogs and this can be sometimes fatal. In fact, in Queensland an average of 1200 children are admitted to hospital each year as a direct result of dog attacks. But how can we stop this from occurring? We can follow some basic safety instructions in order to prevent the worst from happening.
 

• Never approach a strange dog without getting the owners permission first. A god can seem as friendly as anything but as soon as you approach it its mood can change significantly. By getting permission straight away you can soon find out if the dog really is friendly or if it's just for show.
• You should get your child to extend its hand and curl its fingers to allow the dog to sniff them and show that they are no danger to the dog. This will then give the dog a chance to sniff your child and then your child can pat them once a relationship is formed.
• Your child should stroke the dog very gently on the chest and on the shoulders, as well as very gently under the chin. Avoid patting on the head until you have clearly established a good relationship between the two.
• Never ever let your child go up to an eating or sleeping dog as this is a very dangerous time for anyone to attempt to give a dog attention. Wait for the dog to wake up or finish eating before allowing your child to even get close to them.
• If your child is approached by a strange dog don't let them scream or squeal, simply get them to stand still like a fence post to avoid any negative reaction from the dog. Your child may find this difficult but it will be the best possible way of preventing an attack and causing the dog to lash out at your child should it feel threatened.