Dog Bites and Children

A recent study about dog bites and children, indicated that even though the dog may not have bitten anyone before, there were signs of aggression.

Dog bites were categorized by situational triggers occurring at the time of the bite:

• Guarding food

• Guarding territory

• Guarding resources.

Children, younger than 6, were more than likely to be bitten while the dog was guarding food; while older children were bitten as a result of the dog guarding his territory. Children’s behavior which induced the aggression were sudden movements, high pitched voices, and inappropriate behavior.

Almost 3/4 of the dogs were male, and 50% of them had some sort of medical condition that may have produced chronic pain, and thus made the dog more aggressive. It did not seem to make any difference whether the child was familiar to the dog or not; although incidents involved with guarding food were more than likely familiar children; while unfamiliar children were involved in bites while the dog was guarding their territory.

Supposedly, calming interventions such as neutering or obedience schools, made no difference. Almost all of the dogs had been neutered and 2/3 had obedience training.
The study concluded that aggressive behaviors, even in a puppy, are issues of concern and should be referred to a behavioral specialist. If one is unsure as to where to locate a specialist, a call to the local Humane Society will provide clues or resources.

Additionally, parents should caution their children never to approach an unfamiliar dog. Parents should also observe younger children, especially around the dog’s food.

Sources

Reisner, I. et al.: “Behavioral assessment of child-directed canine aggression”, Injury Prevention, October, 2007, 13:348-351; doi:10.1136/ip.2007.015396
http://injuryprevention.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/5/348

Med Page Today, October 4, 2007
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/dh/6875