Are dogs safe around children?
Peyton Hackett
2025-07-13 23:42:08
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Although we can have incredibly strong bonds with our dogs, and they can bring such immeasurable joy to the lives of ourselves and our children, the importance of supervising babies, children and dogs together should never be underestimated. Believe it or not, 70% of all dog bites in the UK are to children, making them the most at-risk age group. Furthermore, 91% of bites to children occur within the home by a known dog, often their own dog, meaning supervision is crucial to prevention. Ensuring babies, children and dogs can live together safely is very important. At Dogs Trust, we believe that bites can be prevented using three key strategies: Preventing unsafe child behaviours Understanding our dog’s needs and communication Implementing close supervision. If all of the above behaviours are spotted and stopped, however, a reduction in dog bites is much more likely. At Dogs Trust, we advise parents to start by introducing small, easy-to-implement changes which can make their home safer for everyone.
Eden Moore
2025-07-13 23:29:00
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Children and dogs can have lots of fun together, but any situation can quickly change and become unsafe. Sometimes dogs and children can accidentally hurt each other. And any dog can bite if they are worried or scared and feel they have no other choice. We often underestimate the likelihood of our own dog biting, but 91% of bites to children happen at home with a dog they know. Watching, listening, and staying close while children and dogs are together is crucial. If a dog bite happens, separate the child and dog. It can be scary and upsetting but don’t punish the dog, this can make things worse for everyone involved. Most incidents between dogs and children don't need hospital treatment, but if anyone is hurt, they should receive medical attention.
Mathew O'Connell
2025-07-13 23:23:28
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Dogs and children communicate differently. Children tend to treat pet dogs as their peers; they hug them, try to cuddle them, pick them up and scold them. Children – especially toddlers – are still quite clumsy and can inadvertently stand on feet, tug ears, hair or tail, fall on top of or otherwise hurt a dog. From a dog’s point of view, children communicate very differently from adults; they cry, yell, shriek, crawl and run about unpredictably. It's not surprising that dogs find it hard to understand children and even harder to tell them when they want to be left alone. For these reasons, young children are far more likely to be bitten than any other population group. Research also shows that people are far more likely to be bitten by a dog owned by their own family than an unfamiliar dog. This means that children are in the highest risk group of being bitten by their own family dog. Dogs and children communicate very differently, but they can be great friends and help children develop kindness and a sense of responsibility. Stay with your children around dogs – never leave your child alone in the same room as your dog, even your own. Give your dog space if they need it – supervise your child when they're with your dog. If your dog looks unhappy, let them go somewhere they feel safe and happy.
Destin Keeling
2025-07-13 22:35:11
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The bond between your child and dog can bring fun and happiness to family life. While we don’t expect our own dog to bite, it’s important to remember any dog can bite if they feel they have no other option. And, in fact, children are most likely to be bitten at home, by a familiar dog. Last year, over 1,700 children were admitted to hospital with dog bites. Luckily, most bites are also preventable. Close supervision is the key to ensuring dogs and children can live safely together. Close supervision keeps children safe. Dogs Trust and RSPCA both recommend two essentials for keeping your child safe: close supervision when dogs and children are together and understanding your dog’s body language. Your dog’s body language tells you how they’re feeling. Being able to spot the signs early and separate your dog and your child helps you to stop a situation from becoming risky.
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