Whilst many kids and family pets are best buddies (and adorably so!), positive and safe interactions between children and dogs should never be taken for granted! Unfortunately, dog bites do happen, and most often children are bitten by a dog they already know.

Why are kids at greater risk of dog bites?
Children tend to be more at risk of dog bites (even from usually friendly pets) because:

• They are too young (or haven’t been taught) to read dog body language
• They tend to move quickly and make unpredictable loud noises that can startle animals
• They are curious, haven’t yet learnt to be gentle and are more likely to accidentally step on or fall on a pet, or physically interact in a way the dog finds distressing (i.e., by pulling the dog’s ears, or poking their fingers into the dog’s eyes, nose or mouth)

Remember, ANY dog can bite if they feel threatened.

How can we help keep kids AND pets safe and happy?

• Supervise all interactions between dogs and kids, and prevent children from grabbing or playing with pets roughly, climbing on top of pets, cornering pets or approaching pets who are eating or resting
• When dogs and young children can’t be fully supervised, physically separate them (e.g. with baby gates)
• Monitor pet body language for early signs of discomfort – these include the dog yawning, lip licking, turning their head away, “freezing” or leaning away from the child – if these signs are demonstrated, calmly end the interaction
• Teach young family members how to recognise when a dog is feeling uncomfortable and needs space
• Encourage positive interactions, such as supervised games of fetch or obedience training sessions (with treats)
• Help your dog to become the calmest and friendliest canine citizen through early socialisation, positive-method obedience training and regular exercise
• Support your dog by allowing them to retreat to “safe” dog-only areas (such as a comfortable crate or bedroom) if they need space
• Have them assessed by one of our veterinarians if you suspect any anxiety or physical ailments that could be causing them discomfort

With some adult guidance, children and dogs can become the best of friends!