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