22/12/2024
𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬
The festive season often means more excitement and activity in our homes, which can sometimes lead to stressful situations for our dogs. It's important to ensure that interactions between dogs and children are safe and positive.
Here are some tips to prevent dog bites to kids:
🐾 Supervise Interactions: Always supervise interactions between dogs and children. Never leave them alone together, as even well-meaning play can quickly escalate.
🐾 Touch with Consent: Teach children to ask for permission before petting a dog and to recognize signs that a dog wants to be left alone. Dogs should be allowed to approach kids on their own terms.
🐾 No Hugs: Remind kids that while they may love hugging their furry friends, most dogs do not enjoy being hugged. Hugs can make dogs feel trapped and anxious.
🐾 Avoid High Arousal Play: Encourage calm play. High-energy activities like running and roughhousing can lead to overexcitement, increasing the risk of accidental bites.
🐾 Respect Their Space: Teach children not to grab food, toys, or other objects from a dog. Dogs can become protective over their resources, leading to defensive behavior.
🐾 Safe Zones: Provide your dog with a safe space where they can retreat when they need a break from the commotion. Ensure kids understand not to disturb the dog when they are in their safe zone.
Every dog is different, so these tips may need to be adjusted to fit your dog's specific needs and temperament. If you have concerns or need a personalized plan, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Happy Holidays from Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ!
