Dog & Child: Are Your Kids Safe?
CDC: 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the US. Experts say families need to choose dogs carefully By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
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re you considering adding a dog to your family? Consider the possibility carefully. The Centers for Disease Control states that about 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the US and nearly one-fifth of those becomes infected. Strange dogs cause only half of all dog bite injuries, meaning that familiar dogs — those known by their victims — cause the remaining half. Beyond the damage inflicted by the dog’s teeth, dog bites can spread germs that can affect humans. Nearly 20 percent of dog bites infect people with bacteria, including rabies, capnocytophaga spp., pasteurella, MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), and tetanus (produced by clostridium tetani). While most families enjoy dog ownership for decades without a bite incident, any dog can bite. Experts say careful animal selec-
tion and training can greatly reduce the chances that your dog will bite. Kim Sauer, trainer and president of Sit ‘N Stay Pet Services, Inc. in Hamburg, encourages families to consider why they want a dog before obtaining one. “Think about your lifestyle,” she said. “Are you super active? Don’t get a Weimaraner if you’re an athome kind of family. “Look at size. If you want a smaller dog, a mastiff isn’t a good fit. Look at the size of the dog when they’re fully grown, not when they’re a small puppy. “Working” breeds, such as the German shepherd dog, need lots of activity and exercise. The Italian greyhound, however, needs less exercise. But all breeds need walking beyond their regular elimination time to remain healthy.” While dog breeds can give you a
general idea of personality traits and exercise needs, don’t assume that all members of a breed behave the same. Or that there are “family” breeds guaranteed safe for children and “unsafe” breeds that can never live around children. Sauer said that breeders, rescue organizations and shelters can help you decide the type of dog that best fits your lifestyle. Fostering a dog may offer a good means to test the feasibility of bringing a pet into the home. Shelters usually temperament test pets and can share their knowledge of the animal. Proper breeding offers a good foundation, since ill-tempered dogs should never be bred. Sauer encourages families to seek a reputable breeder should they choose to purchase a dog. The dog’s training — whether at
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home or through a trainer — and socialization between dog and children make the difference between good family life and a bad experience. “Have a conversation with the kids and know what the plans are and the rules ahead of time so when the dog or puppy does come home, everyone knows if the dog will be allowed on the couch or the rooms it should go in or if it will be crate trained,” Sauer said. Crate training means that the dog stays in its crate when unsupervised, which reduces accidents and helps dogs remain calm when home alone. The dog always has access to the crate when the family is home. The crate provides the dog with a personal space for rest and retreat; therefore, children should not invade it. She advocates “training at both ends of the leash” so that people and dogs know what to expect of each other. Children should leave dogs alone when they’re resting, eating, hurt, sick or caring for young. Calling the dog to come to them, instead of hunting down the dog for playtime, can help prevent problems. “’Invites decrease bites’ we always say,” Sauer said. “Learn the dog’s body language.” Showing teeth and growling isn’t the only sign a dog may bite. Many dogs also raise their hackles, pin back their ears, and lower or hide their tails. By careful planning and education, you can greatly reduce the risk of a dog bite incident in your home.
Kim Sauer, trainer and president of Sit 'N Stay Pet Services, Inc. in Hamburg. She says families should discuss their lifestyles before they get a dog. "Don't get a Weimaraner if you're an at-home kind of family,” she says.
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