Young children 'unaware of risks' when approaching frightened dogs

According to new research, children understand the risks of approaching an angry dog but are ‘unaware’ they should show the same caution around frightened dogs.

Researchers of the study (presented at the British Psychological Society’s annual conference in Belfast) found that children ‘lacked an understanding of safety’ around dogs and have called for more dog biting prevention campaigns to keep children from harm.

Lead researcher Dr Sarah Rose of Staffordshire University, said: "UK statistics show that young children are at the highest risk of being bitten by a dog with nearly 1,200 hospital admissions for under ten’s during 2013-2014.

"This study explored whether children are unable to accurately recognise a dog’s emotions when approaching one."

The study involved two groups of children aged four to five (57) and six to seven-years-old (61). Both groups were asked to watch 15 videos and look at 15 images showing behaviour of dogs.

Both groups of children were asked questions relating to their intention to approach the dog (Would you play with this dog?) and what emotion they thought the dog was experiencing (How happy/angry/frightened do you think this dog is feeling?).

Analysis of the results showed that the children recognised happy, angry and frightened dogs in videos, but they recognised angry dogs more accurately.

Although the children were less likely to approach an angry dog, researchers found there was no difference in their inclination to approach a happy or frightened dog.

'Children lack an understanding of safety'

Dr Rose added: "This finding should help inform dog bite prevention campaigns. Although young children are relatively good at accurately identifying the emotion that a dog is displaying, their understanding of safety around dogs is lacking. They only demonstrated caution about approaching angry dogs and appeared to be unaware that there might be problems approaching frightened dogs."

According to data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), the age group with the highest number of hospital admissions for dog bites is children aged under nine. Hospital bite statistics also show that young children are more likely to be bitten by a family dog rather than one they do not know.

As part of Dog Bite Prevention Week in June 2016, the RSPCA urged parents to spend time educating children on the best way to approach a dog and how to act around dogs.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: "As a mother and dog owner myself, it’s clear that children and dogs can be really great friends. Dogs can also help children develop kindness, understanding and respect for living things. Having a dog as a friend can improve a child’s social skills with people and caring for a pet can encourage responsibility.

"But, just as parents teach their children how to act around traffic and how to safely cross the road, it’s also their responsibility to show children how to behave when they’re around their own or other dogs - either in public places, or in private homes and gardens."

RSPCA's top tips

As well as dog owners ensuring their pets are trained and socialised properly, it is also important for children to understand dog behaviour and how to interact with them safely.

The RSPCA has six rules for keeping children safe and dogs happy. These are:

1. Never leave a child alone in a room with a dog, even your own dog.

2. Teach children not to approach dogs if they are eating or have food, if they have a toy or something they like, if they are sleeping or on their bed, if they are sick, in pain or tired.

3. Remind children to be kind, gentle and polite to their pets.

4. Teach children to play nicely with a dog by encouraging them to teach fun tricks such as paw and roll over.

5. Always supervise a child when they are with a dog and look for signs that the dog might be feeling uncomfortable such as yawning, lip licking or avoiding eye contact.

6. Teach children not to approach an unfamiliar dog or ones which are known not to be friendly towards children.

“Giving this advice to children and vital information to parents should help avoid situations where children could get bitten by dogs,” said Dr Gaines.

“We also recommend providing your dog with a cosy spot in a quiet room where they can retreat to if they need or want their own space. It’s good to teach your children to leave the dog alone when he/she is in this area.

“It’s also a nice idea for children to strengthen their bond with the family dog by playing fun and safe games such as hiding treats in the garden for the dog to find, playing fetch and trying simple training.”

The BPS Developmental Psychology Section annual conference takes place from the 14 September to 16 September 2016.

For more information, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/home