Blue Dog Software Tested at UAB

University of Alabama-Birmingham researchers are testing software designed to train children in dog bite prevention. The program, called Blue Dog is already on the market in some areas.

The study is geared to children between the ages three and six. 揟his is not a small problem,?said David Schwebel, professor and vice chairman of the psychology department at UAB.

揇og owners love their dogs and think their dogs are very safe,?Schwebel said. 揂 huge portion of dogs are safe. But if they get provoked the wrong way, they will bite.?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, dogs bite about 4.5 million Americans per year, with several further cases going unreported.

Children can be especially susceptible to dog bites, according to the CDC. According to an ABC News report on the research, dogs don't typically "just snap." A number of preventable behaviors can get children bitten. A few of these habits include hugging tightly around the neck, tail-pulling and ear-touching.

The nonverbal Blue Dog software program presents children with choices to make in various situations involving dogs. In one scenario, a dog is eating. The child selects whether to play with the dog, or to leave it alone.

In another, the child chooses whether to play with its own toy or with the dog抯 toy. If the child makes the wrong choice, the Blue Dog will exhibit typical warning behavior梘rowling and baring teeth. The computer tells the child they have made the wrong choice without actually showing the consequences. When the dog growls, the cartoon child will, however, appear scared, reinforcing to the child they made the wrong decision.

UAB researchers observe children interacting with a dog in a controlled environment. The children are then sent home with the Blue Dog software. After returning to the lab, researchers note any change in their behaviors. The control group is sent home with a different nonverbal computer game.

UAB researchers are hoping to see the child exhibit safer interactions with dogs after playing the game, for example petting the dog on the back instead of the face.

Dog bites are no joking matter. If your child has been bitten by a dog you own or even a strange dog, make sure you report it to the authorities梞any states and counties require this by law. Be sure your child receives the appropriate medical care and vaccinations, even if the bite appears to be just a flesh wound.

Copyright (c) 2010 James Parrish