Parents 'underestimate risk' of family dog
"The healthy trust of unfamiliar dogs does not appear to exist toward the family dog."
Parents underestimate the risk of the family dog and do not adequately supervise child-dog interactions in the home, according to new research.
Experts from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna wanted to find out why dog bite incidents involving the family dog are so common, even when the child is supervised.
Dog owners responding to an online survey were asked to look at and rate photographs of child-dog interactions. While most people were aware of the risk of dog bites, the risk involving smaller dogs was underestimated.
Encounters between children and unfamiliar dogs were rated as inherently riskier than those with the family dog. When it came to situations involving the family pet, nearly all were rated 'harmless' with no need to intervene, according to findings published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
Only a child cuddling a dog in the dog's bed was highlighted as 'potentially risky'.
Around half of the respondents said they allow their child to play with or cuddle the dog as much as they wish, and the same number leave children and dogs unsupervised together.
"The healthy trust of unfamiliar dogs does not appear to exist toward the family dog," explained study director Christine Arhant, from the university's Institute of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare.
"People trust their own dog and exclude the possibility of a bite incident. But people need to respect their dog's need for rest and a place of its own."
Most of dog owners who responded were unaware that dogs need undisturbed rest periods away from children and only a small number made sure the dog's resting place was inaccessible to children.
Researchers say parents should be educated on how to supervise child-dog interactions, with particular emphasis on attentive observation, guiding the interactions and separating the dog and child if necessary. Better understanding of a dog's need for rest periods in an area away from children could significantly reduce the risk of dog bites, they add.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
