Can you help your child avoid dog bites?

Firm News On Friday, August 31, 2018

When you hear that a child has been bitten by a dog in Connecticut, you may wonder how you can make sure your own child is always safe around animals. It is a good idea to teach your child how to behave around animals so you can prevent dog bites before they happen.

When many young children see dogs, they may want to run up to the dog and pet it. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, children should typically ask people if they can pet their dog. It is a good idea for you to emphasize that your child should ask the owner even if you know the dog. Young children may also not realize that sometimes dogs do not want to play. Because of this, it is important to explain to your child that he or she should not run after a dog when it walks away. Additionally, it is a good idea to teach kids that when a dog goes to a crate or dog bed, the animal does not want to play.

It is also important for your child to understand what kind of behaviors he or she should avoid when playing with a dog. Kids should typically avoid picking up small dogs and they also should not climb on dogs or pull their tail and ears. Additionally, children also need to understand that they should not tease an animal.

Children may sometimes assume that all dogs are friendly. You should usually remind your child to stay away from dogs you don’t know. Additionally, you should generally make sure your child knows to walk away calmly if strange dogs come up to him or her. If a dog keeps following a child, it is a good idea for him or her to stand still and clasp his or hands together. Additionally, children should usually try not to make sudden movements or yell at the dog.

This information is intended to educate. It should not be used in place of legal advice.

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