A dog is more likely to bite a child than an adult. Of little kids 14 and under, about fifty percent have experienced a dog attack. The vast majority of attacks happen to kids under 9 years of age. With an effort to study dog behavior, most bites can be thwarted. It is true that most animals are safe, but many times a dog doesn’t look at our kids the same way. The most important thing is we inform the kids to recognize situations they must avoid.

There is not an understandable argument for a animal attacking a youngster, but figuring out the logic, from the K9’s point of view, may be helpful in evading aggressive animals. Here are some stats from an accredited university, which were based over a three-year period.

Of all K9 bites on infants yet to reach their 5th birthday, the majority were attacked before June. 60% were attacked in the upper torso, the vast majorities are reported to be mauled in their place of residence, 40% were attacked by their own dog and close to 58% had no history of aggressive behavior.

Of reported canine bites of kids less then 16 yrs old or less and older then 3, an overwhelming amount were attacked during early summer. Very few were bitten above the shoulders, 38 percent were bitten in their own home, less then a quarter were attacked by their pet and half the animals attacked for the first time.

This poses many questions…

Most dogs will attack if provoked, but the majority wont if you act accordingly.

Be sure to pay attention to the body language of a dog. If a dog has an aggressive demeanor do not approach it. Often you can tell an aggressive dog but the following signs: Ears are stiff, body is tense, tall is high.

Shy dogs can be gentle, loving, obedient pets, but may try to bite when frightened. The dog’s motive is to chase that person away. The problem is, we cannot always tell which people or actions frighten the dog. The fearful dog may fool you by appearing brave. The dog growls and raises the fur along the neck and back like a brave/aggressive dog, but ears may be pinned back, body lowered, tail between the legs. The tail may even be wagging, but a wagging tail doesn’t always mean a friendly dog. The dog might bark and stare, but then turn away, only to turn toward you again and start all over. This dog would really rather not deal with you and hopes to frighten you away but, if pushed, it might bite.

How do you stop your child from being attacked?
- Avoid pack dogs
- If confronted, do not run away or scream.
- Never place your head above a dog’s head.
- Always let a dog sniff your hand before petting them.

Children and dogs may live in peace, but parents are responsible for educating their kids. If you conform to the following information, you and your kids will be safer!

Rose McAmber is a qualified dog trainer located in Atlanta, Ga. She write various articles and training products. For more information on her please visit her favorite Online Pet Store.