Recently we had a visit from the SPCA at our sister-company Easy Mind Waikato.  They gave us a talk about how to keep children safe around dogs and about looking after pets in general. 

The following information is basically what they told us, and has been taken from the website www.dogsafety.govt.nz 

Most dog-related injuries happen to children, in their own home or the home of a relative or a friend and by a dog that they know.

When a dog is around, small children should be supervised at all times because:

• they can unwittingly provoke an attack, for example by trying to take a bone away from a dog, hugging or kissing it
• dogs may get excited by games being played and jump on or chase a child
• dogs may try to dominate a child because of a child’s small size.

Children should be taught basic safety habits around dogs, with parents and caregivers showing the way.  Always ask a dog-owner if you can pat their dog first - if they say no, respect their judgement - they know their dog better than you do.  If they say yes, do not pat the dog on the top of the head - they don't like this.  The best place to pat them is on the chest or the shoulder. 

Be extra careful with toddlers

Toddlers are especially vulnerable because of their small size, and lack of understanding of risks and     

verbal instructions. Toddlers should be closely supervised at all times around dogs.
A toddler should not be allowed to:

• be around dogs, including puppies, without adult supervision
• put their face down to a dog’s face, hug or kiss it
• play with a dog’s, food, feeding bowl, toys or bedding
• wander into neighbouring properties where there may be dogs.

Be very careful with school-age children

School-age children may put themselves at risk without thinking. They might be quite unrealistic about  

dogs and not appreciate the risk of being bitten, even by the family pet. For this reason, parents and 

caregivers should supervise children and dogs when they are together, and correct any unsafe behaviour.  School-age children should be taught basic dog safety at a pace they can handle including:

• how to play with and around dogs
• what to do around dogs and how dogs react in certain situations
• what to do if they are worried about a dog
• asking the owner if they want to pat a dog

Teach your children this ...

What to do if an unknown dog comes up and sniffs you ...

Cross your arms over your body (so there are no dangly bits for the dog to grab!), stay as still as possible and do not look at the dog - a dog considers eye contact a challenge. 

If the dog does attack ... link your hands behind your head and roll into a ball.  This will protect your head and front as much as possible. 

Be a good role model

Children learn by example – so be a good role model by setting good dog safety rules with your family    

and following them yourself.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: the Humane Alternative is a charity which desexes, vaccinates and worms feral cats and helps reduce the cat population.  For the next month or so, the Humane Alternative is desexing cats for only $30 ... this is normally around $120.  Phone: 07-824 7920 for details.