Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
DOG CHARITY URGES PARENTS TO “BE DOG SMART”
Pulling his tail, sitting on him, disturbing his sleep and kissing his nose are just some of the antagonising ways children act around dogs according to new survey released by Dogs Trust. The charity is urging parents to never leave a child alone with any dog as part of its ground breaking Be Dog Smart dog safety campaign launch.
There is no escaping the hard fact that dog attacks are on the rise and worryingly, the rate of hospital admissions for dog bites is highest among the 0-9 age group; 1,160 children were hospitalised during 2013-2014**. With the dog population on the increase and 8.9million dogs currently in the UK, the new Be Dog Smart campaign aims to educate the entire community on how to stay safe around dogs.
Dogs Trust Chief Executive, Adrian Burder, comments: “Children can come into contact with dogs every day and being around dogs can have so many wonderful benefits, but the simple fact is that all dogs have teeth and any dog can bite or snap if worried, scared or hurt. So, to reduce the number of dog attacks, whether you are a dog owner or not, it is important that we all know and teach our children, grandchildren, pupils and friends how to behave around dogs.
All children remember their Green Cross Code and we want Be Dog Smart to be just as well known. Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with expert knowledge in dog behaviour. Our hope is that simple advice such as NEVER leave your child alone with any dog, never tease a dog, don’t approach a dog you don’t know and always asking the owner before you approach a dog could prevent more dog attacks.”
As part of the Be Dog Smart Campaign, Dogs Trust’s team of 22 Education Officers will go into schools, libraries and community centres across the country delivering Be Dog Smart workshops. Key advice will be given to anyone who has responsibility for children – parents, teachers, grandparents, child-minders, foster carers, sports coaches and the children themselves.
Dogs Trust Manchester Education Officer, Anna Baatz, holds Be Dog Smart workshops and comments: “Working with children has been a real eye–opener, they are inquisitive and want to play but they must understand that a dog is not a toy – they don’t always want to play! Simply understanding when a dog says “enough” can be the difference between a bite or not. By working with adults and children alike we can help teach adults and children how to live safely with man’s best friend.”
The National Childbirth Trust is supporting the Be Dog Smart campaign. Elizabeth Duff, Senior Policy Adviser at NCT said: "A dog can be a happy part of family life but taking a few simple precautions will help to avoid your children incurring any avoidable injuries. The Be Dog Smart guidance offers parents some great tips to keep new babies and toddlers safe around dogs and we would encourage all parents to take a look at them."
Dogs Trust’s Guide to “Be Dog Smart” 10 easy tips to remind kids how to stay safe around dogs:
Beware of disturbing dogs that are eating or sleeping.
Even if for fun, don't ever tease a dog please.
Don't approach a dog with no owner around.
Only stroke a dog when the owner says 'Yes, you can.'
Get the dog to sniff your hand first, then stroke gently.
Strange dog approaching? Stand still, look away, cross your arms (Do the X-Factor!).
Move calmly and quietly around any dog.
All that hugging and kissing - you might like it, dogs don't!
Remember all dogs have teeth.
Treat dogs with respect and they will respect you!