The dogs children meet in books are usually cuddly, but those they encounter in real life may be another story. Eve Boggenpoel hears tips for keeping safe around pet animals
The thought of a young child being attacked by a vicious dog is almost too horrific to imagine, but in recent months, a spate of news headlines has brought home just how dangerous some animals can be.
Five-year-old Leah Preston from Wolverhampton almost died in May from the injuries she suffered when two bull-mastiff crossbreeds broke out of their cage next door to her house. Just a month later, four-year-old Ellie Clarkson from Barnsley needed 17 stitches in her head after being savagely attacked by a Rottweiler while playing in a friend's garden.
So are some dogs more aggressive than others? The Government clearly thinks so. Dogs like the pitbull terrier, Japanese Tosas, Fila Brazilieros and Dogo Argentinos have all been bred specifically for fighting and, after a series of attacks in the 1980s, were put on to the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act list, which bans people from breeding, buying or selling them.
But Chris Laurence, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, says particular breeds should not be made scapegoats. 'There's no hard evidence that one breed of dog is more prone to attack a child than any other breed,' he argues.
Instead, Chris believes it is more a question of how the dog is brought up. 'In the first 14 weeks of their life, dogs undergo a period of socialisation. What they are taught in that period will affect them for the rest of their lives,' he says. If their world is a threatening, unsafe place, dogs learn to respond accordingly.
And, of course, some owners specifically train their dogs to be aggressive, which is why the MP for Wolverhampton North East, Ken Purchase, has called on the Government to introduce a dog owner's license for which individuals would have to be assessed on their suitability to own a dog.
If you are concerned about the safety of children in your early years setting, for example when on a trip to the local park, keep an eye open for any dogs in the area, so you can act swiftly if necessary.
Although it goes against most people's instincts, it's important not to make a quick exit if an aggressive dog approaches you. It is the dog's instinct to chase anything that runs. The National Canine Defence League recommends calmly walking away in the first instance. If the situation persists, the RSPCA's Chris Laurence advises standing very still. Don't look the dog in the eye, as this could be interpreted as a sign of aggression, but tell it to go away, with a firm, insistent command. As they are essentially pack animals, an inquisitive or seemingly aggressive dog will often move off when told to. Also, as dogs seem to respond more readily to a male voice, it can help if you lower the tone of your voice when speaking to the dog.
Safety manoeuvres
If this doesn't work, and the dog remains close to you, try telling it to sit. As this instruction is so universal, many dogs will respond to this familiar command. Where time permits, look for the person who is in charge of the dog and attract their attention, as the owner is more likely to be able to control the dog than a stranger would.
'Essentially, what you are trying to do,' says Chris, 'is buy yourself some time, so you can get the child to a safer place. As the face is most vulnerable, when you are with a single child, pick her up, to get her out of the way. Also, keep extremities out of the way, so wrap your arms around the child, and get her to wrap her legs around you.'
If you are with a group of children, aim to get them to a safe distance and let the adults deal with the situation. If the dog actually attacks, Chris acknowledges that this is one instance where physically attacking an animal is justified. Take the nearest blunt instrument you can find, such as a fallen branch or an umbrella, and hit the dog where it will hurt. This usually means on soft tissue, such as on the belly or under the neck. 'Many dogs have fairly thick skulls, especially the more aggressive ones, and they will ignore a hit on the head,' says Chris.
If, despite your attempts, a child in your care is bitten, it is essential that you seek medical advice, no matter how small the injury. Not only are tetanus injections advisable, but many dogs harbour unpleasant bacteria, so a GP may also wish to prescribe a routine course of antibiotics for the child.
Although young children have less means to defend themselves, Chris believes age isn't really an issue when it comes to safety. 'It depends how familiar the children are with dogs, and vice versa,' he says. 'A two-year-old rushing up and giving a dog a hug can be quite stressful for the dog if it isn't used to it.' This could cause it to react in a defensive or aggressive way.
Guarded trust
For their own safety, it's a good idea to help nervous children gain more confidence around animals. Chris suggests that parents introduce their child to some gentle dog-behaviour therapy. 'You need to make a positive effort,' he says. 'Go out and find a friendly dog that is used to children and get them to make friends. Take the child into the dog's household... and then get them to ignore each other.'
Finally, he advises, 'Never assume that all dogs of a particular breed will be aggressive; equally, don't assume they won't be aggressive.' The worst bite he ever had was from a golden retriever, and this happened, he says, simply because it was the last thing he expected.
Further information
- RSPCA, tel: 0870 010 1181, has leaflets on pets and children
- National Canine Defence League, tel: 020 7837 0006, has leaflets on how children can be safe around dogs, and gives talks in schools
Confronting fears
As well as relating to a specific incident in the past, a child's fear of dogs may simply be the result of a more general anxiety that has latched on to something external, such as spiders or the dark. In either case, when you are out with children, child psychologist Jennie Lindon gives the same advice. 'If they are nervous, reassure them without stoking up their fear. Give them the support they need, by saying, "You can stay by me if you want to," or "I won't go far away," or "Would you like to hold my hand?".'
It's also worth remembering what the reality of confronting a dog looks like to a young child. Jennie says, 'Even if the dog isn't barking or baring its teeth, anything more than a really tiny dog does feel big.
It's probably at least waist-height, and even if the dog isn't dangerous, it comes bounding up and the child doesn't know what it will do next.'
Instilling a healthy awareness for unknown animals is always a wise route, and acknowledging the inappropriate behaviour of either the dog or its owner, who should have voice control over a dog that is not on a lead, can help children gain a perspective on their anxiety.