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Child Dog Bite Prevention
Is your child at risk for a dog attack? Children are obviously especially vulnerable, and make up about half of the number of victims of dog attacks each year. But there are easy ways to teach children to be safe around animals and, in particular, to avoid dog bites. Mitch Wilder shows you the prevention steps that every child should know.
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Step 1:
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The Background
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It’s a frightening fact that out of the 5 million reported dog attacks every year, more than a half of the victims were children. Along with physical injuries, a dog attack can leave emotional scars that last a lifetime. There are ways to prevent injuries when children encounter strange dogs.
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Step 2:
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Approaching A Dog
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Reaching over a dog to pet them is a good way to risk being bit even if the owner is there, so before approaching a dog, a child should ask the owner first. Then they should make a fist and allow the dog to approach them. If the dog is by himself, back off.
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Step 3:
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Body Language
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Body language can tell you a lot about a dog. A scared dog’s ears and tail will be backed. An aggressive dog will be upright and forward with the hair rising.
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Step 4:
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A Dog Approaching
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If for any reason, an unknown dog approaches your children, they should turn around, cross their arms and stand still. Not facing the dog. Now if a dog approaches in an aggressive or dominant manner, they’ve got to stop, drop, and curl up into a bowl. A child moving quickly, especially if they choose to run away, is acting very much like prey.
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Step 5:
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Other Safety Tips
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Here’s some other safety tips to remember. Never stare a dog straight in the eye. This is seen as a challenge by a dog. Never approach a dog who is eating or playing with a toy, and as much as they want to, do not allow your children to hug or get face to face with a strange dog.
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