Many people across the U.S. own at least one dog, and most of us are used to seeing these furry creatures around our neighborhood on a regular basis. While most dogs are friendly and sociable, there are many who are not. Sometimes it can be hard to make the distinction, especially for children, between an approachable dog, and one that should be left alone. Each year, people throughout California are injured from dog bites, and many of these are children. For this reason it is important to teach your children some basic things to stay safe around dogs, whether it be a neighbor’s dog, or their own.
- Always ask first: The first step in teaching your children safety around dogs is to remind them to always ask before approaching a dog that isn’t theirs. Many dogs get startled when they are approached suddenly and may bite out of fear or aggression. Dogs may also seem friendly, but don’t like being touched by strangers, so both adults and children should remember this rule.
- Don’t touch sensitive areas: Dogs, just like humans, have areas on their body where they do not like to be touched. These areas can vary, but generally, it is best to teach your children to avoid a dog’s muzzle, ears, paws, or stomach. When permitted, the best place for them to pet a dog is on their back or the base of their neck.
- Avoid roughhousing and loud noises: Many dogs do not like to roughhouse with their human masters, and if they do it’s generally with adults. The sudden movements, loud noises, and running that children often do can be abrasive to dogs and cause them to react in a way that leads to bites, injuries, and emotional trauma. Teach children that time spent with their family dog is a time to remain calm and practice good listening techniques.
Has your child, or another member of your family, been bitten by someone else’s dog? Reach out to the experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Ramtin Sadighim to schedule you free consultation today!
Individualized care is our specialty at the Law Offices of Ramtin Sadighim. As an experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, Mr. Sadighim understands that every client, case, and circumstance needs a different approach for the best results.
