Be safe with dogs

There are over seven million dogs in the UK and many of them are bought for companionship and as family pets. It is important that children understand how to behave around the dogs in their homes and in their community so they can enjoy their company and remain safe.

There are many benefits of having a dog in the family:

• Children with pets have better self esteem,empathy and social skills 
• They provide loyalty
• There is a reduction of incidence of allergies and asthma when the baby has a cat or dog in the home in their first year of life. The children should also have a better immune system.
• Petting a dog or cat can reduce anxiety and owning a pet can aid relaxation. Dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also suffer from fewer medical problems generally.
• Walking your dog and caring for them is good exercise 
• Children can learn about responsibility, compassion and respect for another living thing

However, we often hear in the media of children getting bitten by dogs. We have put together this booklet to help you to understand more about dog behaviour and how to teach your children to stay safe around dogs.

The reasons dogs bite

• They are protecting themselves or their property
• They may be in pain
• They may feel trapped
• They may have been surprised by your actions
• They may be very excited

Of the people who get bitten

• 70 per cent of dog bites happen in the home
• 80 per cent are bitten by dogs that they regularly meet. With children, this is probably because they are overfamiliar with the dog and don’t stick to the house rules on how to behave around dogs.
• Remember that even the mildest dog may bite in a given situation so it is important for the children to ‘think dog’

Take our 'Be safe with dogs' quiz

Dog body language - read the signs

The following descriptions of dog actions will help you to understand what the dog is trying to tell you:

Go away

I’m not sure about you yet (please keep away)

Happy to meet you

Seeing the world from the dog’s viewpoint

Some of the things that a child might want to do with a dog may be seen as a threat even if the child is trying to be friendly.

Consider the following situations:

• The child wants to cuddle the cute dog with the big wide eyes
• The child wants to take the dog’s toy away from it so they can play a game
• The child wants to get into the bed with the dog
• The child goes to comfort the dog that is hiding under the table

Rules when we are out and about:

• Always ask before approaching any dog. Ask the owner where on the body to stroke the dog.
• Never touch a dog that is left alone outside a shop or similar situation
• Don’t enter a garden if a dog is loose, even if you know it
• Never run or shout around a dog. Always walk past calmly.
• Do not hug a dog. How would you feel if a stranger hugged you?

So how should we behave around dogs?

Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets.

When meeting a dog:

• Think. Always take a moment to decide if you really need to stroke the dog. Remember they may be busy playing with their owner, having a bad day or happy going about their business. Follow our  three Cs of Canine Choice. 
• Check. Always ask the owner if it’s OK to stroke the dog. If the owner isn’t around – perhaps the dog is tied up outside a shop, or is a little bit further behind the dog on a walk – don’t approach the dog or say hello until you’ve spoken to the owner and they have given you permission to do so.
• Call. Call the dog to you by patting your legs gently and saying “hello”. This gives the dog a choice in whether they want to be stroked or not.
• Count. If the dog comes over to you, you can stroke their shoulder nearest to you (but don’t lean over the dog). Count three strokes on their shoulder and then stop, giving the dog the choice to move away if they wish.
• Tip: Even if the owner has said it’s ok to say hello, remember to check the dog’s body language is happy and relaxed before you go ahead. If the dog doesn’t come over to you, that’s ok too. Don’t take it personally. Respect their choice and move away.
• However much you’d like to, don’t hug the dog. While hugging is a sign of affection for humans, holding a dog close to you tends to make them feel threatened and worried.
• If the dog turns or moves away from you, they’re telling you they’d rather you didn’t stroke them just now, so it’s time to stop
• Listen to the dog’s owner. They know their dog best and know where their pet does and doesn’t like to be petted. They can also tell you when the dog has had enough.
• Always be calm, quiet and move slowly around pets
• If the dog is off the lead playing, then it is best to leave them to enjoy what they're doing

If a strange dog runs up to you or if the dog you are visiting is very excited to see you:

• Stand still
• Make no noise
• If you are carrying food or toys, drop them away from you
• Fold your arms
• Look away from the dog
• Move away slowly. Never run.
• This will make you very boring to the dog and help him to calm down

If you are knocked to the ground:

• Roll up into a ball with your face to the ground
• Make no sound
• Cover your face with your hands

Establish house rules:

The aim of these rules is to keep the children safe. It is important that all members of the household and all visitors stick to these rules.Children need to be supervised when they are around dogs.

To stay safe they should not approach when the dog:

• is eating
• has a toy
• has puppies
• is sleeping
• is in bed or under a chair or table
• is sick or injured
• trying to move away

Have clear rules about where dogs are allowed:

• Every member of the household should train, groom and feed your dog
• Do not allow chase games or wrestling games between children and your dog. Your dog may become too excited and hurt someone.
• Never sneak up and surprise a dog
• Do not allow anyone to tease a dog
• Never hit or hurt a dog
• Never allow the dog to mouth your skin or clothes. Your dog must never think that it is OK to touch your skin or clothes with his teeth.