Dog bites are hitting the media full force this Spring. Jennifer Shryock of Family Paws is a certified dog behavior consultant (www.iadbc.org) that specializes in safety between kids and dogs. Education and awareness is the key to decreasing the number of dog bites in communities. Tune in to www.armywifetalkradio.com to hear the segment this week on dog safety.
(PRWEB) May 17, 2005 -- Dogs are awesome companions and additions to families. An important consideration to keep in mind is that while we consider them precious family members, they are still dogs and animals. Dogs communicate in their own unique way. My goal is to offer programs in the community that help parents and children become familiar with the dog communication so that they can understand and respect their dogs comfort level. The most wonderful resource I have found that delivers this message clearly and effectively is through www.doggonesafe.com Doggone Safe is a non profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support.
Their "Be a Tree" program is quickly becoming the respected program of choice in schools all over the U.S. Having offered many programs before, I am thrilled about this complete and professional program as it is one that anyone can pick up and immediately present and make a difference.
Education is important not only for children but most of all for parents and ANYONE responsible for a child. Heightened dangers can be some of the following situations.
1. Child is visiting a Grandparents or other family member with a dog. According to Karen Delise author of Fatal dog attacks http://www.fataldogattacks.com/
From Jan. 1980 thru May 1, 2005:
- of all fatal attacks on children between the age of 1 day old and 6 years old were inflicted by either a grandparent's dog or an aunt/uncle's dog.
2. Nanny or childcare provider is supervising in a home with a family dog.
3. Child is visiting friends with a dog.
The key is SUPERVISION! Often families get too comfortable with their companion animal and let their guard down or expect them not to react as an animal but rather a human. This is a deadly expectation! No matter how much we love our dogs we must respect that they are dogs and have natural responses of a DOG. When an adult is not around dogs will act like DOGS! Doggie discipline and correction is not acceptable to humans. Supervision prevents most situations from escalating.
This dog bite prevention week become familiar with these subtle signals and cues! Visit www.familypaws.com/communication and www.doggonesafe.com to learn more NOW! and tune in to www.armywifetalkradio.com to hear Jennifer Shryock present Dog safety.
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