FREE Articles & Content For Your Website
| Home » Pets and Animals |
Dogs And Kids and Keeping The PeaceBy Lawrence J. Reaves Most dogs are peaceful and friendly, unless they are raised to be otherwise. However, despite their natural affability, they will occasionally bite children. Many canine behavioral experts estimate that at least 30% of children have been bitten - or nearly so - by the time they reach their teenage years. Not only can this result in physical harm for the child, but it can establish and reinforce a child's fear of dogs. While many owners will punish their dog for biting a child, they often do so without understanding what prompted the response. In this article, we'll provide an overview of why dogs bite. Plus, we'll describe how to identify the signs that your dog is agitated around kids and ultimately, how to prevent him from biting them in the future. Why Your Dog Bites There are many reasons why your dog may become agitated. And children seem to be habitually oblivious to most of them. First, dogs are naturally territorial, even as domestic pets. For example, a child may not understand a dog's instinct to protect its food. If he grabs the food away from the dog, there is a risk of being bitten. Second, loud, disruptive noises cause dogs to become anxious. Children, by nature, can be loud, making a dog nervous around them. Third, kids often do not realize that dogs have a natural aversion to being handled in certain ways. For example, many children will grab a dog's paws. This can quickly frustrate a dog, leading him to bite or snap at the child (often, more as a warning than a sign of aggression). Identifying The Warning Signs Dogs are not mysterious. If they're agitated or angry, it's usually easy to tell. They will raise their tail and bare their teeth. Under extreme agitation, a dog will raise the hair on his back. On the other hand, if your dog is frightened, you'll notice his ears are plastered back and his tail loops under his hind legs. But, it is important to remember that he is just as likely to bite when he is scared as when he's angry. Your child should be taught to identify the signs. Curbing The Biting Behavior Curbing a dog's tendency to bite a child when he's agitated or frightened shouldn't be focused on eliminating the behavior. After all, it is an instinctive response. Instead, children should be educated regarding what actions are inappropriate in a dog's company. They should not handle a dog while he's eating. Nor should they surprise him when he's sleeping. Also, kids should be taught to recognize the signs that a dog is anxious or frightened. When he is, they should back off. Assuming your dog is naturally friendly and sociable, keeping the peace between he and your children is a matter of educating them. In time, they'll realize what sort of behavior is unacceptable, and thereby avoid being bitten. About the author Looking for Healthy Dog Treats or Bully Sticks check out http://www.bestbullysticks.com |
|
This article was found at WellWisher.org.
|
|
| Publish This Article
You are free to re-publish this article on your website, however please ensure it is copied and displayed in its entirity without any changes. It must include the "About The Author" text and ensure all URLs are hyperlinked. Please review our terms and conditions regarding the reprinting of articles. Thank you. |
Related Articles
Information on Dog Boarding
5 Telltale Signs of Dog Urination Problems
Is a German Shepherd in Your Future?
How To Take Care Of Healthy Native Animals
5 Tips To Help Keep Your Pet Healthy and Save Your Money At The Same Time
What Type Of Dog Is Best For Child
Do You Know The Types Of Feeders For Various Types of Birds?
How To Wash Your Dog Correctly To Get Them Clean
How To Teach You Dog To Not Chew You Furniture At An Older Age
Tips For Adequate Hummingbird Feeders Management By The Enthusiast
Copyright © 2008 3SF Media and WellWisher