Man's Best Friend - But How About the Kids

Teach kids and dogs to be faithful companions. Pets are a central part of family life: in fact, more than 70 percent of the worlds population have had an animal companion at some point during their childhood.

The benefits of owning a pet dog are huge, but there are also responsibilities and risks. A good amount of people are admitted to hospital emergency rooms each year for dog-bite injuries. Children under five years of age are more at risk, and the dog involved is often the family dog. The key to preventing bites is proper training – but both the dog and the child need to be adequately trained.

Basic rules all kids must know

Never approach a sleeping dog. A startled dog will naturally lash out, especially older dogs whose hearing and eyesight may be poor. If you do need to wake the dog, you should call it from a distance.

Feeding the dog is an adults-only activity

Children must be taught never to approach a dog that is eating , or gnawing at a bone. All dogs should be trained from and early age to accept interference while eating, to help overcome their protectiveness of food.

Never approach an unfamiliar dog, even if it looks friendly

Children must be taught to ask permission from the owner first, then to approach the dog properly. Never approach a dog from the back, or front, but from the side only. Slowly extend the back of your hand with your fingers curled, and let the dog sniff your hand. If the dog accepts, you can pat its chest or under its chin. Never pat it on the top of the head. If the dog backs away or does not respond, then it should not be approached at all.

Also, kids are excitable and tend to squeal and wave their hands when a dog approaches. This is threatening and may elicit a reaction. Instead, tell children to stand still with their arms by their sides and look at their feet. The dog will most likely sniff them and leave.