Essential family guide to safety with dogs

Eight million people in the UK own a dog* and benefit from the love and companionship that they offer.  But with recent headlines about the rise in so-called 'dangerous dogs' and dog attacks, how can we be sure they are safe around our children?

The Blue Cross, has launched a guide to help families better understand dog behaviour and the interaction boundaries that should be set out between children and dogs.

Our leaflet, Be safe with dogs highlights the many benefits that come with owning a dog and explains why it is important to consider situations from a dog’s point of view.  The leaflet includes guidance on:

- The reasons why dogs bite
- Body language to look for in dogs 
- How to behave around dogs  
- Rules for interacting with dogs in the home
- Tips for interacting with unknown dogs

Tracy Genever, children’s education officer at The Blue Cross said: ”We know from talking to children that they are often unsure of how to behave around dogs. Blue Cross education volunteers frequently visit schools with their own temperament-tested dogs, which gives children an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to approach and respect dogs.”

* Source: Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association www.pfma.co.uk