Humans and dogs have been living together for over 12,000 years. Millions of Americans share their lives and their homes with dogs. These wonderful animals love us unconditionally, protect us, protect our homes, guide the blind, and are our constant companions. Despite all of this we still have misunderstandings that lead to dog bites.

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For children, dog bites are frightening and traumatic, and with a little work, most can be prevented. We teach our children about safety for many situations–from safety rules for crossing the street and traveling in cars to being careful around things that are too hot or sharp. We can also teach them to be safe around dogs. Follow these tips to help your children have a positive relationship with our "best friends".

First–Teach your children the golden rules:

• Do not chase or tease a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog while it’s sleeping, eating, or drinking.
• Don’t play in the dog’s sleeping area.
• Don’t play with the dog’s food or water.

Second–Teach your dog the golden rules:

• Do not jump on people.
• Don’t bark or paw at people.
• Do not charge the door when someone comes in.
• Do not bite, nip, chew, gnaw, or mouth people even in play.

Third–Guidelines for parents and pet owners:

1. Provide your children and your dog with enough exercise and positive social interactions them enjoy each other’s company cope with stressful situations.
2. Don’t allow children to use your dog as a climbing toy. Even with the most patient pet, children should not be allowed to climb on them. It’s a recipe for having their tail pulled, eyes poked, paws injured, etc. A dog bite would be a natural response, so it’s best to avoid it.
3. Small children should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Dogs and children can be unpredictable; it’s the adult’s responsibility to provide a safe environment and a watchful eye..
4. Keep the dog out of threatening situations. It’s important to be sensitive to the dogs’ needs and fears. If your pet is used to calm or quiet, and children are visiting, playing, running, making noise; watch for signs of nervousness. It may be best to confine your dog to a quiet room or crate during times of too much activity, removing the potential for problems.
5. Know your dog and learn how it communicates using body language. Usually dogs give warning signs before biting. Sometimes the signs are subtle, but they should never be ignored. Here are a few ways to know that it’s time to intervene between a dog and a child:
   • The dog turns its head away from a child or gets up and moves away.
   • The dog yawns, pants, or licks its lips when the child approaches or interacts with him.
   • The dog gives you a pleading look as though asking to be rescued.

      

    

    

6. Know your dog’s limits. Sometimes dogs communicate more directly and may be warning that it’s ready to bite by growling, showing its teeth, or raising the fur along its back. To prevent a dog bite or a dog attack immediately intervene by removing any child from this situation and provide a quiet place for your dog.
7. Don’t let play get too rough. Many dogs and children play quite well together and should be allowed to do so. Watch for when the play escalates and gets too rough or too excited. A dog bite or scratch may occur accidentally when playing gets too rough.

For children, dog bites are frightening and traumatic, and with a little work, most can be prevented. These rules and guidelines establish boundaries of respect between children and dogs, and pave the way for successful relationships.

Attorney Marya Sieminski joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in 2003. She is admitted to practice law in Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. Marya has worked as a trial lawyer for 10 years and exclusively represented victims in personal injury litigation and in workers compensation claims. She also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Michigan Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee.

The Law Offices of Samuel I. Bernstein, our Michigan dog bite and personal injury law firm, has championed the cause of seriously injured Michigan dog bite victims for three generations.