Children, unfortunately, are the primary victims of dog attacks, representing more than 60% of all dog bite cases, according to national statistics. While many frown upon the characterization of specific breeds of dogs as “vicious” or “dangerous”, it is important that foster parents are alert to the potential risks and consequences that are forever present with dogs and other animal pets. Children are usually bitten by dogs with whom they are familiar – their own, a neighbor’s or the dog of a friend. The bodily areas usually attacked or bitten by dogs include the child’s face, hands, neck and head. Listed in this section are breeds of dogs that, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, are said to have higher incidences of bites than other breeds.

In the absence of State Law specifically relating to the identification and proper maintenance of dogs that are considered to be “dangerous,” the Department of Family and Children Services has instituted the following guidelines relative to pet safety in the foster home. 

In the interest of the children placed in your home, foster parents are required to exercise reasonable safety precautions when children are around pets. The following should be exercised to promote the safety of the child:

1. Monitor children when they are around pets. 
2. Refrain from bringing into the home any type or breed of animal that has a known history of violence and/or aggressiveness toward people. 
3. Safely secure animals that have displayed violent and/or aggressive behavior toward people inside a cage, pen, or fence that prevents a child from entering and the dog from escaping. 
4. When acquiring a pet for the home, choose a breed or type of animal that has, at the least, a history of being people-friendly when acquiring pets for the foster home. 
5. Provide opportunities and instruction to children in care regarding safe socialization habits with people-friendly breeds of animals.  
6. Report immediately to the agency any acts of violence toward a child in care or others by an animal in the foster home. 
7. Carefully review the Foster Parent Manual and research other sources for information regarding animal safety.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES 

Choosing a Pet for the Home – While no specific breed of dog is exempt from becoming aggressive, the dogs that are indicated by the American Veterinary Medical Association to have higher incidences of bites include the following:

• Chow Chow 
• German shepherd 
• Pit bull 
• Akita 
• Rottweiler 
• Doberman 
• Chihuahua 
• Dachshund 
• Terriers 
• Husky-type 
• Wolf-dog 
• Malamute

This, by no means, is to infer that all dogs of the breeds listed are aggressive and are prone to attack humans; they do, however, require less provocation or coaxing than dogs of other breeds do. Dogs that are said to be less aggressive toward humans, but must be closely monitored, nonetheless, include the following breeds:

• Labrador Retriever 
• Vizsla 
• Brittany Spaniel 
• Collie 
• Golden Retriever 
• Australian Shepherd 
• Old English Sheepdog 
• Bloodhound 
• Basset Hound 
• English Bulldog 
• Norwegian Elkhound 
• Keeshond

Child and Dog Safety Tips – Being around and interacting with pets can be one of the child’s fondest memories of being in care. A close, nurturing relationship with a pet can provide a very therapeutic experience for a child. Unfortunately, this may not prove to be true with the child’s relationship with other animals or the same animal under less friendly circumstances. 

While the laws in Georgia governing dog safety do not provide a more preventive remedy, there are measures that foster parents can take to support and ensure the safety of children around animals. If you are contemplating buying a pet, check with your local vet, pet store or go to Purina’s website for assistance in locating people-friendly or child-friendly pets. Additional guidelines foster parents should consider when bringing a pet dog into the home include the following:

• Choose a puppy rather than an older dog that may be less friendly toward strangers. An older dog should be assessed by a vet to determine if he is suitable for children. 
• Demonstrate for the children acceptable behavior toward pets prior to the dog’s arrival. 
• Teach children how to assist with the feeding, maintenance and training of the dog. This spawns a relationship with the dog and teaches them a sense of responsibility. 
• Interact with the dog in the presence of the children. 
• Supervise children closely when playing with a dog. 
• Teach children the proper way get acquainted with dogs. 
• Discourage children from teasing or handling the dog roughly. 
• Refrain from including the dog at parties or other situations of high excitability or aggressiveness. The dog may too become excited and aggressive. 
• Train the dog to respond to your commands.

Provide opportunities for safe socialization with dogs. Children should be instructed in habits of sociability and safe behavior toward dogs, using the following tips and guidelines:

• A dog wagging it’s tail is not always friendly. 
• Never attempt to touch a strange dog. 
• Never touch a dog that is growling, barking or showing its teeth. 
• Never stare a dog in the eye when it is behaving aggressively. 
• Back away slowly from an aggressive dog; never run. 
• If knocked down by an aggressive dog, protect the head and neck with the hands and forearms, taking care to keep the hands closed to protect the fingers. 
• Never run up to a dog. 
• Never approach a dog without grown-up supervision, especially a strange dog. 
• Allow the dog to sniff your scent before attempting to pet or touch him. 
• Never approach a guard dog or a watchdog. 
• Obey owner’s sign regarding the potential danger of dogs. 
• Never disturb a dog that is eating or has a treat of any sort in its mouth. 
• Don’t yell, make loud noises, or attempt to frighten the dog. 
• Don’t attempt to ride on the dog’s back. 
• Refrain from pulling the dog’s ears, touching his eyes, or pulling its tail.

Foster parents are encouraged to seek out additional information regarding the safety of children in the presence of dogs. Visit your local library or log on to these websites:

• American Veterinary Medical Association: www.avma.org 
• The Centers for Disease Control (dog bite prevention advice) www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/dogbites.htm 
• American Kennel Club for Purebred Dogs: www.akc.org
• Humane Society of the United States: www.hsus.org

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