This is very risky. As a canine behavior consultant I can tell you that many dog owners do NOT like to share their dog’s fiesty behavior record. It is with this in mind that I suggest and recommend that parents and children become familiar with canine body language so that they can take the full situation into consideration. Here are some things to consider:
Any of these alone or combined may indicate that the dog is experiencing stress. Consider the dog's total posture and the environment when making a decision of whether to approach the animal.
These are just some of the things that need to be taken into consideration before parents allow their children to meet an unfamiliar or even familiar dog. The key to setting kids up for success with our canine friends is providing education that will help them recognize the difference between a safe or unsafe situation.
Jennifer Shryock is a certified dog behavior consultant specializing in safety and fun between kids and family dogs. She is the mother of three young children and holds a degree in special education. She is also the U.S. coordinator for Doggone Safe, a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention and victim support.
