First let me say that I whole heartedly believe that owners are responsible for their dogs and responsible for telling other people that their dog is not friendly if an occasion calls for it (a get together, a birthday etc). I in no way blame a dog for this behaviour.
My children see dogs frequently. They know that they should not touch strangers dogs without asking. But I guess I missed the bus on family members. Until now we haven't had much of an issue. Family always says "the dog isn't friendly" etc.
This time this didn't happen. There was no warning, so I thought nothing of my children playing outside like normal. Had we been given a heads up we would have accompanied our children outside, or told them the rules about said dog.
My son is a loving boy, he hopped into the back of the truck pet the dog, and upon receiving a good reaction went to hug the dog and the dog bit him in the face. He came inside all bloody. That was horrific for me as a mother.
DOG SAFETY
1. Never approach an unknown dog from behind or straight on. Behind can startle them or make them feel like they need to protect themselves, head on can feel like a challenge. So angled slightly when possible is best.
2. Open flat hand palm up presented about a foot away from their face is a polite introduction. Consider it how to shake a dogs hand. This is a non threatening way for the dog to choose if they want to investigate your scent and open the relationship.
3. If the dog is calm and interested (sniffing, not showing any stress signs), scratching the dog under the chin is the safest next step. People tend to pat the top of the head. But for a dog that doesn't know you, this can block their eyesight and leave them feeling forced into a submissive position. Under the chin keeps things neutral.
4. Never hug a dog you don't know.
90% of dogs DO NOT like being hugged. They learn to tolerate it. But in no situation with their pack would they ever be hugged. It's restrictive, and limits their ability to protect themselves, etc.
5. "Resource guarding" is something anyone getting a dog should research the shit out of. Gently introducing dogs to feeling comfortable with people touching their food, food bowls, favorite toys, beds, favorite people, etc is crucial. It is instinct for a dog to feel the need to protect things that are important. We do that as humans, dogs do that as well. And the majority of bites that happen in a private home, happen because a child grabbed a toy they shouldn't, or approached the dog while they were eating. Etc. so researching a gentle approach (because yelling or getting angry will only cause more stress and making it worse) is an easy preventative measure.
Non aggressive, gentle, training (positive reinforcement) is the safest way to encourage a relationship with a dog that loves and respects you.
Here are some resources you can look into:
http://awesomedogs.ca/default.shtml
Owners, please be responsible about your dogs, please warn all people about your dog if your dog is prone to being unfriendly.
And I, as a parent have educated my children on dog safety to help reduce the risks of something happening to my kids.
Lastly, regardless of the trust a parent might have in the dog or animal, supervision is the number one preventative measure. Even children being safe and respectful could be bit. And while the dog owner is absolutely responsible for the dogs behaviour, the parents shouldn't trust anyone else's idea of safe. Some people are stupid.
XX,
The Guilty Mom
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