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Article
submitted by Jen Shryock, www.familypaws.com
May I pet your
dog?
Education is the key to empowering
children in a variety of situations to make smart and safer
choices. This is true when it comes to dogs. I hear
parents giving advise to ask the stranger holding the dog, “May I
pet your dog?” We also teach to ask “Is your dog friendly?” Is
this the safe advice? Why is it we tell our kids not to talk
to strangers but we some how trust the strangers with dogs to be
honest about their dogs friendliness and behavior?
This is a very risky. As a canine behavior consultant I
can tell you that many dog parents do NOT like to share their dog’s
fiesty behavior record. It is with this in mind that I suggest
and recommend that parents and children become familiar with canine
body language so that they can take the full situation into
consideration. Here are some things to
consider.
1. Are there other dogs in the area?
2. Is
it a crowded noisy environment?
3. Are you confident that
this person would tell you if their furry baby has a bite
history?
4. Is the dog listening to the
handler?
5. Is the dog interested in interacting?
A. Is
it hot?
B. Is the dog tired?
C. Is he fearful?
6. Are
there many children wanting to pet the dog all at once?
7.
Is your child wound up and really excited?
8. Is your child
eye level with the dog?
9. Does your child have food on
their hands, face, or clothing?
10. Is the dog showing fear?
A.
tucking tail
B. turning its head away, licking
lips.
C. cowering, growling or shaking
D.
Hiding behind handler
E. Yawning?
Any of these alone or combined may indicate that the dog is
experiencing stress in this situation. Consider the dogs total
posture and the environment when making a decision to approach or
not.
These are just some of the things that
need to be taken into consideration before parents allow their
children to meet an unfamiliar and even familiar dog. The key
to setting kids up for success with our canine friends is providing
education that will help them to recognize a safe and unsafe
situation.
For more
information on dog bite statistics and prevention visit www.familypaws.com Handouts on dog bite prevention are
available for reprint by request.
Article submitted by Jen Shryock, www.familypaws.com
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