Tutu’s Corner: Dog Safety Column by Tutu and Me Traveling
Preschool How can you be sure that a dog will be a safe pet for
your children? Statistics show that most dog bites causing
serious injury involve medium to large sized dogs and children
under the age of 5. The dog is usually known to the child or is
the family’s pet. A dog’s basic temperament, instincts, and
training have the biggest effects on how that dog reacts to the
world around him and his levels of tolerance. Very few bites
happen without provocation – but the provocation may exist only
in the dog’s mind! Small children should never be left alone
with any dog, no matter how reliable the dog has been before. A
responsible adult needs to be on the scene to prevent any
aggressive behavior by the dog and to keep the child from
putting him or herself in danger. A dog may not want to be
petted. The dog’s first instinctive reaction is to show his
displeasure by giving a warning by growling. Walking away can
also be considered a warning. Some warnings a