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Irresponsible Human Behaviour is Dangerous with Dogs Around

Feb 23, 2010 | Staff | DogFlu.ca

While obedience schools for dogs seem to be a growing trend across North America, what we are really in need of is a dog training school for people.

Tracie Laliberte-Bailey of Attleboro, Massachusetts, a professional lecturer, educator and published writer on the subject of dogs, was recently shocked and appalled when she saw a young child stick out his little tongue and lick a strange dog on the nose.

"That's right, the kid licked the dog while the parents just stood and watched," she said. "If this is not a recipe for disaster, I don't know what is."

The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta estimates that there are 4.7 million reported dog bites each year. Approximately 1 in 6 require medical attention, and 77 per cent of all dog bites are to the face.

The statistics also show that where children are concerned, boys are more likely to get bitten than girls.

"I believe that many of these dog-bite injuries could be avoided if parents would teach their children to practice good manners around dogs," said Laliberte-Bailey.

In dog language, putting your face nose-to-nose represents an alpha dog challenge, and so parents should tell their kids to never, ever stick their face in front of another dog, especially one they don't know, she said.

Many dogs, she added, will not respond well to such rudeness, and will likely bite first and ask questions later.

"The same goes for staring at a dog," she said. "The cold stare is also a direct challenge in the dog-eat-dog world of social behavior. People should always be sure to intermittently avert their eyes when having the canine conversation."

All children should be taught that staring is impolite, and if a dog is the subject of the stare, could even be dangerous.

Another key to avoiding dangerous situations, she said, is to always ask for permission before petting a dog. It is a common misconception among dog-lovers that every dog is friendly, which simply is not true.

If the owner gives permission, always extend one hand first, palm side up with fingers curled so that it looks like a paw. Additionally, it is wise to allow the dog to sniff your hand before you engage it.

Never lean over or crowd the dog while petting it. Instead, keep some space between you and the animal.

"And please people," Laliberte-Bailey added, "teach children not to hug a dog like a stuffed animal."

Also, keep in mind that a goofy, wide-toothed grin from a human can sometimes be perceived as a growl, especially if the dog is unfamiliar with the person. Therefore, try to keep your mouth relaxed when meeting a dog for the first time, and speak in a soft and soothing voice. Contrary to what some believe, high-pitched voices and "barking" will trigger the dog's natural prey instinct.

"Remember, prey- driven behaviors are those that are used for hunting and killing food," said Laliberte-Bailey. "A dog's teeth play a natural and important role in this instinct."

"A general rule for kids," she said, "should always be ‘no screaming, no barking'."

Tracie Laliberte-Bailey is pursuing a doctoral degree on the human-canine bond. You can contact her with any dog-related questions at tracie@dogpawse.com.