When looking at numbers, statistically, children are safe around dogs. However, when an incident of aggression does occur, the result can be devastating. There are some rules that children need to understand in order to be safe around dogs. And, parents need to pay strict attention as well.
First, lets look at children from the dog’s point of view. Whether a stray or the family pet, all dogs will see young children as nothing more than ill-behaved puppies. This is the only frame of reference a dog has for kids. There is a Code of Ethics all normal dogs instinctively understand. The Dog Code of Ethics prohibits the intentional injuring of puppies (or small children) for transgressions of a puppish nature. This is why young puppies can approach an adult dog and do something foolish, like try and take something away from the adult dog, and the adult dog, instead of committing puppy-cide, admonishes the puppy with a snap, a growl, or a body slam.
The puppy isn’t normally hurt in any way, but does get the message that the behavior is not to be repeated. This instinctual response to a puppy’s behavior has kept the dog alive as a species, as otherwise, obnoxious puppies wouldn’t have survived long enough to reproduce.
Problems occur when the dog instinctively responds to children in the same way. The dog isn’t necessarily trying to hurt the child, just teach him, but a child’s skin isn’t as tough as a dog’s and therefore, injury can occur. Hands and faces are bitten. A dog will grab a puppy by the muzzle, bite down until the puppy squeals, and then let go. No blood is drawn and the puppy learns a valuable lesson. The reason children are bitten so often in the face is because the dog is trying to teach them the same way he would teach a puppy. However, a child’s face is much more delicate than a puppy’s muzzle.
Are these “bad” or “vicious” dogs? Not necessarily. Unfortunately, they are often labeled as such. What dog owners and parents of young children need to understand is that a dog can severely injure a child without any intent to do so. They are just being dogs, and from their point of view, responsibly teaching a puppy proper manners.
What this means is that small children are to be instructed to never take anything away from a dog. Never hug a dog, as this is perceived as dominant behavior. Never punch, pull, or hit a dog. All stray dogs should be off-limits to children. The dog in question may have no experience with kids and unintentionally hurt a child while reprimanding them. Dogs raised within a family and used to children may have a better understanding of the fragility of small children and behave accordingly. But, don’t count on it. Dogs NOT reprimanding children for perceived transgressions are going AGAINST their instincts. Don’t bet your child’s future on the dog’s ability to distinguish between a child, and a puppy.
