Local Government



Find out more...



Responsible Dog Ownership - Children and Dogs
Responsible Dog Ownership
Responsible Dog Ownership
Children and Dogs
The majority of serious dog attacks requiring hospitalisation occur on children in private homes.

Children, particularly those aged between one and nine, are at most risk of serious dog bites. Most dog bites occur at the dog’s own home.

Since 2000, there have been about 230 hospitalisations per year in Perth due to dog attacks (Injury Research Centre, University of Western Australia, 2004).

Helpful tips for parents or guardians
  • Never leave your dog and young children alone together.
  • Show your child how to introduce him/herself to dogs.
  • Don't allow your children to tease your dog or handle it roughly.
  • Remove your dog from excitable environments – especially children's parties where it may become over excited or aggressive.
  • Keep children away from a sick or convalescing dog to let it recover without interruption.
  • Ensure your dog has the opportunity to socialise safely with children.
  • Choose a breed that has a good reputation with children.
  • Ensure your dog is under your control by properly training it to "sit", "stay", "drop" and "come".
Some golden rules when dealing with dogs
  • Let dogs eat without interruption.
  • Avoid cornering a dog – this can provoke a "fight or flight" response.
  • Provide the dog with a bed that is separated from noisy, high activity areas.
  • Don't cuddle dogs face to face – it may represent a threat.
  • Do not wake a dog suddenly – this may give them a fright and prompt an aggressive response.
  • Don't interfere with a mother's new litter of puppies, especially in the first couple of weeks and when her pups are feeding.
Fun stuff for kids

Responsible Pet Ownership
This Victorian Government website has games and activities for children.

Kids’ Zone
The Kids Zone website has been developed by the NSW State Government.

RSPCA (WA)
The RSPCA’s home page has a link to Kids’ Stuff.
See also...
Page Utilities
Print Page
 
Send Page
 
Rate Content
 
TextTextText