Dogs are “man’s best friend” for a reason – they’re naturally wonderful companions. But, they also have knife-sharp teeth, strong jaws, and they communicate with their mouths. With the automatic assumption that every dog is a “best friend”, we often get kids (and the dogs we love) in trouble. Would you let your kid play with knives unsupervised?

1. Become a dog trainer!

2. We hear all the time that “dog is man’s best friend”. They
are cute, cuddly, loving and caring. Especially when it
comes to children. However, dogs also have knife-sharp
teeth, strong jaws, and they communicate with their
mouths. Because of this, we often end up accidently
putting our kids in danger. Would you let your kid
play with knives unsupervised?
Become a dog trainer!

3. In an article titled Incidence of Dog Bite Injuries Treated
in Emergency Departments (1992-1994) By H. Wiess, D.
Friedman and J. Coben they claim that “Dog bites are the
fifth highest reason why children seek emergency room
treatment due to activities they voluntarily engage in…”
You can make yourself and your child safer by
understanding a very important distinction. The
difference between a dog tolerating attentions and
a dog enjoying it.
Become a dog trainer!

4. Most of the time, dogs
afford us a lifetime of
tolerance allowing all kinds
of roughhousing around
and being very gentle with
children. It is important to
remember that while the
upside to a good dog is a
wagging tail and a smiling
child, the downside can be a
bite scarred face and a
traumatized child.
There are 3 basic things that all dog owners, trainers, and
parents can remember to increase the safety of interactions
between dogs and children:
Become a dog trainer!

5. 1. Everyone has their limits.
It is very important to remember that even if you have
the most wonderful of dogs, like us, any dog has his
limits. You have to learn to intervene before it becomes
too late and the limit is reached. If you notice the dog
starting to growl after having it’s ear pulled for the
hundredth time this week, we need to separate the
dog and give her a break before that limit is
reached.
Become a dog trainer!

6. 2. Look for signs of stress.
We aren’t the only ones that can have a bad day, our dogs can too.
Bad days can happen when a lot of stress is piling on at once. Signs
of stress in your dog can include:
 turning away
 crouching
 yawning
 lip-licking
 shaking-off
 panting
 ears back
 hiding
Don’t ignore these signs, especially when kids are interacting
with your dog.
Become a dog trainer!

7. 3. Intervene early
If you suspect a dog may be stressed in an interaction
with your child, intervene now. Even if you are not
sure, Don’t risk it. Testing this is simple. remove the
child from the situation and then see if the dog comes
back to the child for more attention.
If the dog does not return to the child, odds are she
was only tolerating the attention and could use a
break.
Become a dog trainer!

8. Conclusion
As long as we are smart about it, A dog can truly be your
child’s best friend. Most dog’s will actively seek out a child to
play with and are a thrill to watch together. Not all dog’s are
like that though. Some dogs are only tolerating our child's
playing and it is important to note the difference. If we look
at the situation closely, we may be able to tell the dog is
stressed and if we don’t help, a bite might be her only way
out.
It’s our job to parent – the dogs and the kids. So
remember: every dog has their limits, look for signs of
stress, and intervene early. All members of your family
will be happier and healthier for it.
Become a dog trainer!

9. Become a dog trainer!