Parents should supervise all interactions between children and dogs. A child should not be left alone with a dog unless that child has demonstrated competent dog handling skills, has a knowledge of canine communication and dog and child share a long established relationship based on mutual understanding, love and respect. Babies, toddlers and young children should never be left alone with a dog – all interactions should be actively supervised.
Parents should teach children the following (these apply to their own dog, other dogs that they know and strange dogs):
1. Dogs do not like hugs and kisses. This is a major cause of facial bites to children.
2. Do not to approach dogs that are not their own, even if the dog is on leash with its handler.
3. Never stare at a dog in the eyes or put their faces up to a dog’s face.
4. Never try to take something away from a dog.
5. Never go near a dog who is eating or drinking or chewing on something.
6. Never approach a dog that is on a bed or furniture.
7. Never approach a dog that is tied up or in a vehicle.
8. Never try to pet a dog through a fence or in a crate.
9. Never climb over a fence into a dog’s yard, even if the dog is usually friendly.
10. Never try to break up a dog fight or interact with dogs that are play fighting.
11. Leave dogs alone that are sleeping, resting, injured, very old or with puppies.
12. Teach your child about canine body language. A safe dog is one that has a soft, relaxed, happy face and a wiggly body. A dangerous dog has his mouth closed or mouth open with tight lips, ears forward, intense look, hard body.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, contact Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck today at: 414-223-4444 or online at: www.jsh-law.com/contact-us
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