We often receive calls from clients that are concerned about their dogs and children. Their concern is that either their dog knocking the kids down, barking at the child, growling at the child or has bitten their children or someone elses child. This is obviously a situation that should raise concern with any adult. However, we often find that the dog is generally not at fault in most situations. I have had cases where children have jumped on, stepped on or pulled on the dog and hurt it in some way, and the dog acted out to defend itself. For example, I once trained a Rottweiler that bit a child after the boy stepped on the dog while it was fast asleep. The dog awoke a bit the boy instinctively after being hurt and startled.

We often see owners who intentionally keep their dogs away from children, simply because they don’t know what the dog’s reaction will be. This often creates tension and does not allow the dogs to properly socialize with children. In my opinion, a great deal of people are overly cautious. A few years ago in NC, a small girl was mauled and killed by two dogs and I observed first-hand the aftermath and damage. Having any child injured or killed is by far a great tragedy that no one should have to endure. However, when we look at some statistics, I think that it can help us better put things into perspective.

Shockingly, approximately three children are killed each day, or 1,100 per year, by their own parents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 2,658 children under 16 died in traffic fatalities in 2001, down 5.4% from the previous record low of 2,811 set the previous year.

Dog attacks kill an average of about nine children per year.

Based on these statistics, children run a much greater risk of being killed by their parents or in a car accident than by a dog attack. These statistics generally surprise most people. There are things that we can do to help prevent these problems with dogs and children. First, we should have a schedule of training for the dog. The dog should be properly socialized around children and learn to act appropriately around them. More importantly, children should be taught how to properly handle and work with the dog (as seen in this video) and should learn how to act appropriately around the dog(s).

Having the children care for the dog can also help and will allow the dog to see the children as leaders as well. Have the children assist in feeding, grooming and walking the dog on a regular basis. If you train with the dog on a regular basis, teach your children how to train with the dog as well. Teach them how to get the dog to sit, down, stay and do other exercises. If you are attending training or other classes with your dog, take your children along as well. This can be a fun event and learning experience for everyone involved. If your dog trainer won’t assist in working with your children to teach them and the dog how to interact properly, find another dog trainer.

If you feel that your dog needs socialization with children or if training is in order so that the dog can learn to act appropriately around the kids, contact us, we’ll be happy to assist you.