| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | Be sure to pay attention to the body language of a |
| Studies show that children have the best chance of | | | | dog. If a dog has an aggressive demeanor do not |
| being bitten. Before a child turns 15, an animal has | | | | approach it. Often you can tell an aggressive dog but |
| bitten nearly half. The vast majority of attacks | | | | the following signs: Ears are stiff, body is tense, tall is |
| happen to kids less than 9 years of age. By | | | | high. |
| examining canine tendencies, most bites can be | | | | Dogs that have assumed either a defensive or |
| thwarted. It is true that most animals are safe, but | | | | offensive threat posture frequently have a "critical |
| some times dogs can have their own agendas. It is | | | | zone". A child is safe around this zone until entering |
| imperative that we educate our children to be on the | | | | the imaginary circle the dog has projected. The |
| look out for situations they must avoid. | | | | problem is that this zone varies between dogs and |
| There is rarely a good reason for a dog biting a child, | | | | can even be different for the same dog if the |
| but learning the mindset, from the animals' point of | | | | situation changes. So it's impossible for humans to |
| view, may be helpful in evading aggressive animals. | | | | accurately determine the critical zone. The shy or |
| Here are some stats from a well-known university, | | | | fearful dog adopts a defensive threat posture. It is |
| which were based over a three-year period. | | | | hesitant, easily frightened, timid, tends to avoid |
| Of all K9 bites on children under four years of age, | | | | certain persons or things. Frequently, these traits are |
| most were bitten in early May. Sixty percent were | | | | not noticed until the dog encounters a new situation. |
| bitten on the head, neck and face, 90 percent were | | | | The dog might assume elements of the defensive |
| bitten in their own home, 40% were attacked by | | | | threat posture when frightened. |
| their own dog and 60 percent of the dogs had never | | | | How do you stop your child from being attacked? |
| bitten before. | | | | - Avoid pack dogs |
| Of all K9 bites on children over four years of age but | | | | - If confronted, do not run away or scream. |
| less then 17 years old, most were bitten in early July. | | | | - Always ask an owner if it's okay to pet their dog |
| Eighteen percent were bitten on the head, neck and | | | | - Always let a dog sniff your hand before petting |
| face, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, 18% | | | | them. |
| were attacked by their own dog and 50 percent of | | | | Animals and children are capable of living in harmony, |
| the dogs had never bitten before. | | | | but it's the parents’ job to teach their children. |
| This poses many questions... | | | | If you conform to the following information, you and |
| All dogs are capable of biting, but the majority wont | | | | your kids will be safer! |
| if you act accordingly. | | | | |