Each year, countless children aged 5 to 9 require medical care due to dog bites. The situation becomes even more troubling when you consider that many dog attacks occur in familiar environments, such as at home. Digging deeper into the statistics, we find that 77% of the dogs involved in biting incidents belong to the victim’s family, a relative, or a family friend.
Now that you’ve absorbed that information, let’s highlight the critical point: Pet owners often struggle to read canine body language in the presence of children. The key to preventing a dog attack is recognizing when a dog feels anxious, stressed, or shows aggression. Parents need to distinguish between “I’m enjoying this interaction with kids” and “I’m concerned that if this continues, I might have to take matters into my own paws.”
As an experienced pet writer who spends significant time around dogs, I’ve encountered numerous situations that could have been avoided. Let’s explore how to prevent mishaps by interpreting dogs’ body language when children are nearby.
The Importance of Understanding Dogs’ Body Language
When dogs are uncomfortable, they often try to communicate their feelings. Initially, they may attempt to leave the situation. If that doesn’t work, they will try to distance themselves as much as possible. Signs of anxiety can include rapid movements and vocalizations. If the discomfort continues, dogs may enter a protective state, leading to growling, barking, or snarl.
If you fail to intervene when your dog exhibits such behavior, it may feel cornered and resort to snapping, something you certainly want to avoid.
Distinguishing Between Tolerance and Enjoyment
A dog that appears to enjoy playing with children might actually be merely tolerating the interaction and eagerly awaiting its conclusion. While many dogs are comfortable around kids, it is essential to recognize the difference between one that genuinely enjoys the play and one that is simply “okay” with it. This understanding can help prevent future incidents, as a dog that tolerates interaction may react more quickly if boundaries are crossed.
“A dog that is tolerating an interaction is likely to experience some level of anxiety or distress. This can manifest as sudden changes in their activity level or direct escape behavior,” explains Petros Deligiannis, an expert in dog behavior.
“For instance, if a low-energy dog suddenly becomes hyperactive around a child or a high-energy dog slows down and freezes — these are clear indicators of anxiety,” Deligiannis says. “Conversely, a dog that enjoys interacting with children tends to exhibit a relaxed body posture, approaches a child willingly, and may engage in playful behaviors, like presenting a toy for play or bowing.”
Deligiannis suggests a simple test: have your child step back from the dog for a moment. If the dog moves closer and resumes play, it’s an excellent sign that they’re happy to continue. However, if the dog also moves away, it’s indicating a need for space, and it’s important to respect that.
Ignoring Signs Can Lead to Incidents
It’s common for parents to allow their children to engage with dogs that are signaling stress or discomfort — something I’ve witnessed frequently. For example, my dog, Milo, is fine with one to two children but becomes uncomfortable when three or more approach him. At this point, I intervene, explaining to those around us that Milo is anxious and it’s best to give him space. This approach is crucial for responsible pet ownership and caregiving.
Dogs, much like humans, have feelings and social needs. Thus, ignoring your dog’s behavior is one of the worst things you can do. Watch for these warning signs:
- Dogs may freeze and become tense, even while lying down.
- Their facial expression may tighten around the eyes or mouth.
- They may abruptly close their mouth, become stiff, and display “whale eyes” (turning their head slightly but keeping their eyes trained on a person or object).
- They may turn their head or body away from a child approaching them.
- Growling serves as a clear and urgent signal that further interaction should cease.
When to Step In
One critical mistake is allowing children to climb on, tug at, or provoke your dog. While it may appear amusing and demonstrate the dog’s patience, there is a limit to what they can endure. If you’re not ready to intervene, it can escalate quickly. Here are three situations where intervention is necessary:
- If the dog displays stress signals like yawning, lip licking (not related to food), or growling.
- If your child tries to ride the dog.
- If children pull on the dog’s ears, poke, yank their tail, or engage in similar behavior.
How to Handle and Prevent Incidents
No one wants to see accidents occur. However, should they happen, how can you address the issue and prevent a recurrence?
First and foremost, never leave young children alone with dogs. Just a brief moment can turn a safe interaction into a distressing experience. If you’re unable to supervise closely, consider using a barrier to keep the two apart.
Karis Nafte, a dog behavior specialist, emphasizes a hard truth for parents.
“Never punish a dog for biting. As a parent, it’s natural to feel the urge to yell at or hit a dog that has harmed a child or appears threatening, but it’s crucial to understand that this only exacerbates the situation. A dog that has resorted to biting is likely already feeling unsafe and scared. Instead of punishment, it’s essential to understand the circumstances that led to the bite and work on creating a peaceful environment for the dog around children,” Nafte asserts.
The ideal response is to calmly remove the child from the situation while maintaining your composure — your distress can further traumatize the child.
The Risks of Scolding a Dog
Among the various signs dogs exhibit when they’re uncomfortable, growling is one of the most significant. It serves as a way for dogs to communicate: “Please back off.”
That is why Nafte advises against scolding dogs that growl. “The worst action a parent can take is to chastise a dog for growling. If this happens repeatedly, the dog learns to stop growling or understand that their growls are unrecognized, which can lead to unexpected biting behavior. Dogs do not bite without reason, but they may feel they have no means of communicating their need for space aside from resorting to biting,” Nafte explains.
The proper response is to separate the child and dog safely. Allow your dog to decompress with a quiet walk or in a calm area. When the next interaction occurs, observe closely. Small details—like the presence of food, a bone, or whether the child tried to hug the dog—can be crucial in identifying triggers.
Essential Lessons for Children About Dogs
Now, let’s discuss some fundamental canine etiquette. Educating children about these precautions can significantly reduce incidents:
- Never run towards an unfamiliar dog.
- Wait for the dog to approach you and signal willingness to be petted.
- Avoid hugging or kissing dogs on the face.
- Do not interfere with a dog during mealtime.
- Do not disturb a sleeping dog.
- If a dog growls, immediately stop and take a step back.
- Avoid trying to take a bone or toy from a dog’s mouth.
Dogs aren’t the only ones who require training; children must also learn how to engage appropriately with the animals around them. Whether you own a pet or your kids are fond of dogs, repeating these safety tips can help ensure the well-being of both children and dogs.
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