Speak Dog: Bleu’s K9 Rescue Guide to Body Language and Bite Prevention for Kids

We had some very special guests stop by recently! The amazing team from Bleu’s K9 Rescue dropped in to chat with us about a crucial topic: understanding dog body language and preventing dog bites, especially when it comes to children.

Learning how to stay safe around our four-legged friends was incredible, but the absolute highlight? They brought the legendary Bleu himself!

To celebrate his visit, we’re sharing his top advice. Here is what Bleu wants you to know to keep the children in your life safe, while building loving, respectful relationships with the dogs they meet.

Dog bites are more common in the absence of adults.

To keep children safe, they should never be left alone with a dog, even the family pet. When an adult is present, many of the situations that lead to biting can be avoided.

How you can help prevent a dog bite

Teach children that dogs communicate differently from humans, and dogs may misunderstand some of the actions of children.

A dog may become aggressive or feel threatened when a child:

• Runs away from the dog

• Tries to hug the dog, especially around the neck

• Stares at the dog

• Plays rough or pretends to fight with the dog

• Teases he dog

• Yells or throws things at the dog

Staying safe

Teach children to use these two safety postures if they are approached by an unknown dog.

If an unknown dog approaches them when they are standing, they should stand still like a tree

• Stand straight, with their feet together

• Make fists with their hands and place them under their chin

• Do not stare at the dog

If an unknown dog approaches them while they are on the ground, they should act like a log

• Lie face down, feet together

• Make fists with their hands and place them behind their head

• Cover their ears with their forearms

Remind children that they should always tell an adult if they have any problem with a dog!

Children should stay away from dogs that are:

• Not accompanied by an adult

• Appear to be sad, mad, or just unfriendly

• Behind a large fence or in a car

• Eating, sleeping, or chewing on a bone or toy

• Injured or nursing pups

• Working, such as a police dog or "seeing-eye" dog

Children should never offer a dog food without the owners permission and presence!

Teach children to always ask permission before trying to pet a dog

Once they have permission to pet a dog, teach them to:

• Let the dog sniff their closed hand

• Slowly and gently pet the side of the dogs neck

• Do not pet a dog on the top of the head

Prevent dog bites before they have a chance to happen

When you're thinking of getting a dog:

• Consider what kind of dog (age, sex, breed) will fit your lifestyle

• Consult a veterinarian or other animal professional for advice on the kind of dog for your family

• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it

Once you own a dog:

• Ask your veterinarian for tips on socializing and training your dog

• Teach your dog obedient behavior

• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog

• Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to be aggressive.

• Immediately seek professional advice if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

By practicing these simple safety steps and respecting a dog's boundaries, we can prevent accidents before they happen and help our children build a lifetime of safe, loving friendships with dogs.

Knowledge is the best protection, and thanks to Bleu and his team, we are all now better equipped to keep our kids safe and help the dogs we love thrive.

Interested in having Bleu visit your organization or school? Contact them here.