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New dog-bite safety program aimed at young children
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Kids and dogs make great pals when safety tips are given.
I will never forget June 1, 1970. That’s the day I was bit by Ralph, a German Shorthaired Pointer who belonged to a neighbor. It was a hot day and Ralph, as usual, was kept on a short chain and his water bowl was dry.
This was nearly 40 years ago when it wasn't uncommon for dogs to be on chains in backyards. Ralph’s owner was an alcoholic who would occasionally beat him. I remember as a child hearing Ralph’s yelps.
On this July day, I walked past the chained Ralph to give a message to the owner’s wife from my parents. For some reason, I stopped and looked at Ralph. He looked at me and then lunged, bit my forearm and sat down – never once emitting a growl.
I required stitches, but looking back, I realized this poor dog was crying out for help. Fortunately, his owner died a month later and the young GSP was adopted by a caring family who knew this breed well.
Happy ending for Ralph. I share this story because each year, about 3.5 million children are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That is the entire population of the state of Connecticut.
To help reduce those numbers, the American Humane Association recently unveiled a new dog-bite prevention program aimed at kids 7 years and younger. It is called the American Humane KIDS: Kids Interacting with Dogs Safely™.
A lot of dog bite prevention education programs are suited for older kids, but I am happy to see this one directed for youngsters. The KIDS curriculum includes games, activities, worksheets, songs, a coloring book and a live-action DVD. The coloring book reinforces the lessons with situations in which young children may encounter dogs and provides guidance on what they should do.
As a safety reminder, AHS officials advise adults to teach children these five important tips for interacting with dogs:
- Never approach an unknown dog or a dog who is alone without its owner, and always ask the owner’s permission before petting it.
- Never approach an injured animal – go find an adult who can get it the help it needs.
- Never approach a dog who is eating, sleeping, nursing or has something it likes – like a bone or toy.
- Don’t poke, hit, pull, pinch or tease a dog – the dog may not realize you’re just playing.
- Don't chase or run from a dog.
For more info: LFor more information on how to purchase these dog-safety materials online, please visit the American Humane Association's website: www.americanhumane.org/store
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