It’s hard to believe that 77% of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog. That means that these aren’t crazy, stray, vicious dogs - they are OUR pet dogs!
While this is a really sad statistic, it does mean that WE can do something to CHANGE IT.
Contrary to popular belief, bites RARELY happen out of the blue — and your kids’ actions can play a HUGE role in how safe they are around the dogs they love and live with. All too often, miscommunication is at the root of the issue. We expect dogs to read our likes and dislikes — but often have no idea how to read theirs.
Success is ALL about education — so we’ve created a FUN way for the whole family to learn! Check out our FREE videos and posters — then quiz yourself to measure just how much you’ve learned. Then, why not bring the information to your WHOLE COMMUNITY?
There are trainers worldwide, ready and waiting, to present our fun, interactive talks to kids from preschool to elementary school age. Click here to find a presenter in YOUR area.
PROTECT YOUR DOG — AND YOU’LL BE PROTECTING YOUR KIDS
Now that you know the signs, watch your dog carefully. The goal is to ensure that your dog ALWAYS feels safe around your kids, but at the first sign that they’re not — give your dog a break!
If your child is doing something that is stressing your dog, be sure to move them, far enough away, so that your pup can relax again. After all, if no one is there to protect your dog, they’re left with no choice but to protect themselves — and no one wants that!
NOW SHOW YOUR KIDS THE VIDEO
Help them understand what dogs are saying and teach them a VERY important skill: WHEN TO STAY AND WHEN TO WALK AWAY. If you keep pointing out your dog's body language clues, showing when it is best to leave your dog alone, over time it will just become second nature to your kids (even without prompting!).
Not only will they understand YOUR dog, but being able to read body language will keep them safer around ALL the OTHER dogs they meet too.
Better still, try to catch those more subtle signals (whispers) that may have come before.
It’s not just the key to staying safe, it’s the key to a really great friendship!
Whether you’re teaching your own kids, your grandkids, nieces and nephews or even your neighbor’s kids who swing by from time — you are making a difference!
Go one step further and use your social media to shout it from the rooftops! You can also spread the word by hanging the posters in schools, libraries, shelters and even your vet and pediatrician’s office!