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A dog is a living being
Most bites come from a nearby animal, family dog or neighborhood dog. Yet accidents are largely preventable by encouraging owners to be more responsible and by teaching children to behave cautiously around a dog. Respecting the animal is the first thing. Provide him with his basic needs, of course, eat, sleep, walk, play, but also treat him like the dog he is. It is neither a child that we spoil too much nor a soft toy that we do what we want. Be aware that certain breeds of dogs are naturally dominant. But even then, respect and education remain the key to good understanding.
A dog can bite suddenly for a variety of reasons
A dog never bites for free, on a whim! There is always a reason:
- – Irritation is the most common. Triggered by frustration (we deprive him of his freedom by putting him on a leash, we make him salivate on food that we do not give him), pain (illness, abscess, ear infection, gesture that is a little too intrusive, finger in the eyes, pinching, pulling of hair) or constraint (maintaining a caress or a game when the dog has stiffened or tries to escape, dressing with children’s clothes, endless brushing …)
- – Fear in an anxious, fearful and often poorly socialized animal can be the cause of bites. If the animal feels constrained, if it cannot escape from a game or manipulation, it can bite to defend itself.
- – Lack of control: a young dog may have trouble controlling his bite, especially during games. In this regard, the difference in size and weight between a large animal and a very young child can also lead to the pushing accident, which is also uncontrolled and non-aggressive.
- – The defense of its territory or its master. Dogs are protective of behavior. Children should know this so that they do not put themselves in unnecessary danger, even with a dog they know well. Do not pass your hand through the neighbor’s fence, for example, do not brutally take a baby away from its mother, do not taunt the dog with its own toy…. Finally, be aware that large dogs are not more aggressive, but the bites they inflict are often much more serious.
Recognize the signs of annoyance in dogs
Dogs are wonderful companions. They faithfully share beautiful moments with you and your children. However, sometimes the occupation of the moment does not suit him. He does not want to play chase at mealtime, he would prefer to rest rather than play with the water jet with the children, he wants to end this session of papouilles which draws in length. And he lets you know!
Learn to recognize the signs of annoyance and help your children recognize them. A dog that bares its teeth, growls and shifts to the side no longer wants to be disturbed. Many accidents could be avoided by knowing how to stop a game when the dog shows nervousness or fatigue.
To avoid getting bitten by your own dog
We often feel very comfortable with a dog that we know well! Until it is intrusive. Yet the basic rule, even with the adorable Pekingese granny, is to respect it. Respect his basic needs first of all, that is to say let him eat without disturbing him and avoid feeding him at the table, respect his rest and sleep while avoiding to invest his basket as the little ones like a lot to do. He doesn’t have to accept it. Finally, respect his “physical integrity”: do not pull his ears or tail, do not cling to his hair. In short, do not let children treat it like a soft toy because it can clash.
Even to play, the dog generally does not like being teased, chased, shouted at him. Do not let children take away his favorite toys, bone or bowl. Finally, even the family dog can be very aggressive if he senses a threat on his young. Leave the female who takes care of her puppies alone. For your part, even if you have complete confidence in your dog, never leave him alone in a room with your baby, and teach your little ones as soon as possible to keep their faces away from the dog’s head. It is a target far too easy and just up to the task.
So as not to get bitten by a dog in the street
“He’s zentil your dog, can you stroke him?” A dog in the street irremediably attracts the little ones. Getting them to ask the master’s permission to touch it is the rule of thumb, of course! Beware, however, because not all owners are willing to recognize a possible dangerousness of their dog. Once the introductions are completed with the master, get to know his four-legged companion. Never give him a hug, but get sniffed, extending your hand. Do not come suddenly on him, do not run in front of him, let alone with a stick. Do not pat it on the head, it is a sign of submission for a dog. If there is no handler around, stay away from the dog. Moreover, do not pet a dog tied up, asleep, behind a fence or in a vehicle. Finally, do not separate fighting dogs. Let the masters take care of it.
To avoid getting bitten by a stray dog
A stray dog can possibly be almost wild. Never stroke it! If he gets in your way, avoid provoking his natural instincts.
Stay still and stand up straight. Do not run away, do not turn your back on it, do not make big gestures.
Don’t look him in the eye as that invites him to a showdown. Let him sniff you, maybe he just wants to get acquainted.