- When
looking for a new dog, realistically
evaluate the dog's future environment and lifestyle and consult with
professional to determine suitable breeds of dogs for
consideration.
- Dogs
with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with
children.
- Be
sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive abot a dog
and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spend
time with a dog before buying or
adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog or puppy into a home of an
infant or toddler.
- Spay/neuter
virtually all dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Never
leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
- Properly
socialize and train any dog entering
the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (eg: rolling over to
expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately
seek professional advice if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable
behaviors.
- Do
not play aggressive games with your dog (eg: wrestling).
- Teach
children basic safety around dogs and review regularly:
- Never
apporach an unfamiliar dog.
- Never
run from a dog and scream.
- Remain
motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog (eg: "be still like a
tree").
- If
knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (eg: "be still
like a log").
- Never
play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Immediately
report stray dog or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid
direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do
not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Do
not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- If
bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
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