It’s common knowledge that the adoption and purchase of dogs surged in 2020, primarily due to the impact of COVID. Some reports indicate an increase of nearly 40%. In the Northeast, many rescues experienced a shortage of dogs. While this trend had positive aspects, such as increased companionship, there were also notable consequences. Pediatric dog bites rose significantly, an issue that continues to persist.
As a dog trainer, I observed two distinct waves of people seeking training for their dogs. The first wave occurred when individuals acquired their dogs, and the second arose when many had to return to a traditional work setting instead of working from home. A noteworthy observation is that only a small percentage of people seek professional help for their dogs, either for preventive measures or to address behavioral issues.
It’s crucial to recognize that dogs aren’t naturally adapted to live in the confined spaces we call homes. When uncertain or frightened, their instinct is to create distance. If unable to do so, they may resort to barking or growling to establish a barrier. Unfortunately, this can escalate to a nip when someone approaches, similar to how humans might use a push to create space. However, when teeth meet skin, the skin always loses.
Dogs, as individuals, struggle to make sound decisions in the human world. They require a handler to guide them on what is acceptable behavior. This dynamic, where the dog looks to the handler for guidance, is beneficial but is enjoyed by only a few dogs and owners. Alarming statistics reveal that around 28% of pediatric dog bite victims are aged 0-3 years old, with 62% of these incidents occurring in the face/head area. This aligns with a dog trainer’s perspective, as the child’s height places them at the dog’s eye level, where crucial communication takes place.
Dogs communicate through eye contact, movement, and touch, primarily with other dogs, not humans. Most bites occur when the victim fails to interpret the dog’s challenges through eye contact. Sudden movements signal to the dog that the victim is not retreating, escalating the situation. This can lead to a nip and result in lasting physical harm, scarring, and trauma for both the child and the family. Notably, most dog bites occur with familiar dogs, often triggered by the child holding food at eye level, unintentionally challenging the dog over space, pack position, and dominance.
As children spend more time away from their parents, encounters with dogs in public or at friends’ houses become more common. Misinterpreting canine body language due to a lack of education can lead to bites.
Our FREE Pub Safe Program aims to educate both children and parents about dog behavior, body language, and best practices, fostering a respectful and safe relationship with dogs. For more information on this program, feel free to contact us.