Don’t forget that any dog has potential to bite a child

Bill Wilson

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 | 6:02 p.m.

May is National Dog Bite Prevention Month. This started me thinking that in my 20 years of emergency calls, few things were more sad than a child who had become permanently disfigured by a dog bite. My thoughts turned to my three-year-old son and our family dog, a beautiful boxer named Browny, both of whom love each other. Could this tragedy occur in my home? After reading several dog bite prevention articles by such organizations as The American Pediatric Association and The American Kennel Club, I learned the answer to my question was a definite yes.

Every dog has ingrained in its DNA aggression that is used for self defense, hunting, protecting its food and offspring. The nicest dog in the world has the potential to bite people or other dogs. Last year close to 5 million dog bites were reported in the United States.

Practice the following tips to help prevent this tragedy.

Parents

• Dogs do not like hugs and kisses — We cannot stress this strongly enough. Say it over to yourself 1,000 times. It doesn't matter if your dog is a Newfoundland or a Yorkie. Don't think that your dog is an exception to this, because you are wrong and you are setting your child and your dog up for potential tragedy. Teach your kids not to hug or kiss the dog on the face. Hugging the family dog or face-to-face contact are common causes of bites to the face. Teach your kids to scratch the dog on the chest or on the side of the neck — most dogs do enjoy this. If your child is a toddler or does not follow instructions, then do not allow access to the dog unless you have your hands on the dog.
• Be a tree if a strange dog approaches — Teach kids to stand still like a tree. Trees are boring and the dog will eventually go away. This works for strange dogs and even your own dog if he is getting to frisky or becomes aggressive. If a dog does attack teach your child to role up into a ball and keep hands over their ears.
• Supervise — Do not assume that your dog is good with kids, even if it has never bitten before. Never leave a young child unsupervised with a dog. Never allow any child to play unsupervised with multiple dogs. If a toddler must interact with your dog, you should have your hands on the dog too.
• Train the dog — Take the dog to obedience classes where positive reinforcement is used to teach new lessons. Never pin, shake, choke, hold dog down or roll dog over to teach it a lesson. Dogs treated this way are likely to turn their aggression on weaker family members. Do not allow children to punish the dog. Condition dog to enjoy the presence of children.
• Do not bother a dog who is sleeping, eating, has a toy or bone, is hurt or has puppies. These are especially dangerous situations.

Owners

• Spay or neuter your dog — Neutered pets are calmer, healthier and less likely to be aggressive.
• Condition your dog for the world — You can't prepare the world for your dog, but your can prepare your dog for the world. Give you puppy lots of new positive experiences.
• Don't be offended if another parent asks you to keep your dog separate from their child.

Most dog bites should be looked at by a medical professional, especially if its to the face. Never hesitate to call 911. All dog bites need to be reported to animal control in your area. For further questions please contact the Boulder City Fire Department 293-9228.

Bill Wilson, a firefighter-paramedic for the Boulder City Fire Department, can be reached at 293-9228.