- 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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