Keeping your child s afe around dogs

1. Keeping your child safe around dogs

2. Newspaper headlines “Never EVER trust a dog with a child: As yet another baby is mauled to death” “Baby killed by dog” "My baby's gone!" Mother's screams after Dogattacks can kill your child “Dog that savaged six-day-old baby to death 'was brought home from the PUB as a new pet by her father just a few months ago” Blackburn baby girl killed Family dog seized after baby's death in Wales Dogs that kill are a terrible tragedy – but it’s humans to blame, not our pets “her death has cast a horrible shadow" over them” Toddler killed by family dog was 'smart and vivacious'

3. Benefits of bringing up a child with a dog • Children with pets have better self esteem, empathy and social skills • There is a reduction in allergies and asthma when the baby has a dog in the home in their first year of life. • Walking your dog is good exercise • Children learn about responsibility, compassion and respect for another living thing

4. Why can children worry dogs? • New noises, smells and objects • Unknown behaviours; immobile, wriggly, or wobbly • You suddenly have a “new” focus • Smaller children often at eye level • Grabbing, falling and pulling

5. What might cause a dog to bite? • They are protecting themselves or their property • They may be in pain • They may feel trapped • They may have been surprised • They may be very excited Fact: 70% of bites take place in the family home

6. See things from the dogs point of view Consider the following situations • The child wants to cuddle and kiss the cute dog • The child wants to take the dog’s toy away from it so they can play a game • The child goes to comfort the dog that is hiding under the table

7. Watch the clip

8. What did you see? • What signs are the dog showing? • How do you think the dog is feeling? • How is the child feeling? • What could potentially happen? • Who is responsible in this situation? • Fact: 80% of bites are from dogs which people see regularly

9. What should we be encouraging • Clear boundaries • Time out • Empathy • When not to approach • Rewarding good behaviour • Fact: The majority of dog bites happen to children under ten

10. Especially around • Food • Toys • Why do we think this is?

11. What are these dogs telling us: 2 1 3

12. Signs to watch out for?

13. The right approach • Stay calm • Approach to the side • Give the dog space • Allow the dog to smell you • Avoid eye contact • Keep voice low and calm • Be aware of the dogs body language

14. Choosing a dog • Natural instinct of breed • Size • Exercise needs • Where to buy a dog from • Getting an puppy vs an older dog • If you already have a dog

15. What home would Skylet need? One year old Siberian husky Full of energy High chase drive Friendly Keen to learn and please

16. Some of the most important things to train: • Walking calmly on a lead • Recall • Handling • Correct toy play

17. Top tips 2. If you have any concerns about your dogs behaviour speak to a qualified behaviourist 3. Know your dog and spot those early signs of stress. Use your “quiet area” to let them have some time on their own 4. Remember your dog maybe less confident around children that they don’t normally see. 5. Try not to force a relationship between your child and dog, just let it grow naturally 1. Never leave your baby or child alone with your dog