Over 60% of all victims of dog bites are children. The offending dog is frequently a family pet. So, as a responsible dog owner, you should be concerned. Statistics show that most dog bites causing serious injury involve medium to large sized dogs and children under the age of five years. According to Vicki DeGruy published in Dog Owner's Guide "Very few bites happen without provocation — but the provocation may exist only in the dog's mind!

We need to realize that dogs are not little people in furry costumes. They don't think in the same way that we do. They look at the world around them with a different perspective. Most of their actions are instinctive. A dog will react to situations according to what his instincts tell him unless these instincts are overridden by the consistent training and socialization he needs to receive from his owner throughout his life."

What should you do? First, never leave a young child alone with a dog. Next, teach your children how to behave around the dog. How and when to pet: pet gently on the back of the head and never pet a dog without letting the dog smell your hand. Never bother a dog when they are eating, sleeping, or when a mother dog is with her puppies. Never tease a dog.

Teach your children that if a dog approaches them, they should not run away nor scream. This only excites or may frighten the dog. Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog. If the dog understands that the child is not a threat, he will likely leave him alone.

Some dog breeds are more likely to bite than others, but any provoked dog may bite. According to a study of dog bites from 1982 to through 2006 conducted by Merritt Clifton, editor of Animal People, the breeds of dog most commonly involved in biting are pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Presa Canarios.

Finally, be sure your child knows to tell you or another adult immediately if they are attacked or bitten by a dog.

Posted by Barbara.