My dog has teeth!

It is common for new parents to look at their dog differently after bringing a baby into their home. Dogs are, after all, predators. We seem to have forgotten that in the 21st century. Some dogs have been bred to chase or attack small, moving prey, and even if that is no longer their primary role, we have to acknowledge that it is still present in their DNA. This is not to say that genetics is the only predictor of behavior. Given the right circumstances, all dogs have the capability to bite or harm. Ignoring this reality has led to a major public health issue.

• Over 2 million children in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year

• 75% of dog bites occur within the child's own home or that of a family member

• 90% of fatal dog attacks involve unsupervised young children

It breaks my heart when parents call after an incident, in shock, because they genuinely didn’t think their dog had it in them to bite. They had been led to believe that some dogs bite and other dogs don’t. The goal of this message is not to place blame, but to underscore the importance of education regarding canine communication and effective management strategies to prevent accidents. The parents that do get that uneasy feeling about keeping their child safe around their dog, have not been given guidance on how to do so. During expectant parent preparation sessions, we address four essential skills that promote the safety and well-being of children and dogs: understanding body language, recognizing sensitivities, maintaining safe proximities, and effective supervision. My hope is that someday, this will be common knowledge in our society and that services such as mine are not needed. Through continued education and information sharing, we can help future generations of humans and dogs thrive.