By Dr Daphne Ang BVSc (Hons), BPharm, MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour), Licenced Family Paws Educator, Clinical Resident, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Fear Free and Low-Stress handling practitioner
Email: daphne.ang@beecroft.com.sg
Ever so often, we read in the news that yet another child or person is being mauled by a family dog. Everyone is often left in disbelief. Comments like “I did not see it coming” or “…was just a loving and friendly dog” are the norm.
Family dogs are more likely to bite kids than unfamiliar dogs
Contrary to common belief, the majority of the dog bites to a child is from the family dog, and not an unfamiliar or stray dog.
All dogs can bite.
Breed alone does not determine the bite risk to a child.
The false sense of security of having a safe breed for a family pet lead to inappropriate handling and interactions that increases the bite risk.
Dogs bite kids out of fear, anxiety and frustration or when they are in pain and discomfort.
Dogs do NOT bite out of spite, jealousy or guilt. Our dogs are often confused, stressed or not understanding what is expected of them.
Dogs experience emotions.
Dogs experience emotions and have likes and dislikes.
When they feel unsafe in a given situation, they can either try and get away or, if not unable to get away, they have no choice but to use behaviours like growling, lunging, baring teeth or biting to repel the person or animal away from it.
Understanding how they feel will allow us to predict how they will react in any given situation.
Dog bites to children can be prevented.
Studies have shown that
● Kids confuse angry dogs with friendly dogs
● Kids mistake angry dogs with happy dogs
● Dog owners and non-dog owners commonly misclassify anxious dogs as relaxed and happy
Creating a safe home for both our dogs and our children requires the understanding of how dogs communicate, our children’s behaviour towards dogs, active supervision by the caregiver/parent and environmental management.
Reading and understanding dog body language does not come naturally and must be learnt.
[https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/video/dog-body-language-101/]
Partner with a certified positive reinforcement trainer or a behaviour vet to help you understand your dog and its environment better.
CREATING A HEALTHY BOND BUILT ON RESPECT, COMPASSION AND EMPATHY
[https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/kids-and-dogs]
[https://www.familypaws.com/about-family-paws/dogaware/]
DOs
Learn how to speak dog
Set up a sanctuary/safe place so that your dog can go when feeling stressed, frustrated or unsafe.
Be an inviter (ask to interact), not an invader (of dog’s space/bubble)
Interact gently and calmly
Play games that are not noisy and does not involve fast movements
DON’TS
Do not approach or physically wake a resting or sleeping dog. You may startle them to bite.
Do not approach a dog when it has a valued item (treat, bone, toy) or when eating.
Do not approach in the way that makes the dog feel cornered (narrow corridors, under the table/bed/den/crate) and unable to escape from.
Do not rough handle the dog, pet/hug/kiss without “asking” or put your face into the dog’s face.
Do not take things forcefully from the dog.
References:
[https://onlineschool.instinctdogtraining.com/course/kids-and-dogs]
[https://www.familypaws.com/about-family-paws/dogaware/]
Levine, Emily D. (2023) Pets and the family dynamic, in: Landsberg G., Radosta, L., Ackerman L. 2023. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat, Fourth Edition. Saunders Elsevier. pp 261-267.
