Dogs in the backyard
by admin on Jul.05, 2009, under Family
Dogs can, and often do, make wonderful pets. At the same time, nearly half of all dog bites happen to children at home and usually the child and the dog know each other well. About half of the children who are bitten are under six years old. Because of their size they can get bitten on the face and head and can be scarred.
Most of the time it is not the dog’s fault. Often the young child will tease and upset a dog, or take its food away. The dog will try to protect itself. Sometime the dog will be jelous of a child. To keep young child safe from dogs :
- keep young children and babies separate from dogs;
- if possible, don’t buy a dog until children are at school;
- match a type of dog to your family. Check with the RSPCA about breeds;
- dogs that have been trained as working or guard dogs do not max well with children;
- teach your child not to go near a dog when it is eating or upset;
- take your dog to obedience school so that it learn to obey simple commands;
- watch over yong children when they are near dogs;
- don’t always expect your child or your dog to obey you.
