New Study Child Dog Bite Victims Need Ongoing Emotional Support

A recently published study provides evidence that child dog bite victims require ongoing emotional support.

Barbara W. Boat, Cinnamon A. Dixon, Erica Pearl, Lacey Thieken and Sarah E. Bucher. 2012. Pediatric Dog Bite Victims: A Need for a Continuum of Care. Clincal Pediatrics. 51: 473-477.

Abstract: The authors assessed the ongoing needs of 34 pediatric dog bite victims and their families 1 month after receiving care in a pediatric emergency department. More than 70% of the parents noted at least 1 new concerning behavior in their children, and more than 85% of the parents also endorsed concerns about their own reactions. Half of the parents believed that children, in general, might benefit from interventions to help with postbite fears and nearly three quarters felt that families would benefit from education regarding dog bite prevention. The  majority (85%) of the parents believed that additional supportive services could be offered effectively at emergency department or pediatric office/clinic visits. A template for a dog bite information card is presented.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the majority of child dog bite victims and their parents in our study experienced changes in behavior and additional stress in their lives after the incident. Furthermore, these parents expressed a need for additional supportive services and a desire for prevention education related to this topic. Thus, we advocate that child dog bite victims and their parents may benefit from a continuum of care after these injuries and that dog bite prevention education should be an integral part of any child safety discussion with families.

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Seminar! Kids Dogs Pitfalls and Potentials

Join Doggone Safe VP Jennifer Shryock and author Colleen Pelar for a weekend of learning about managing and enhancing the child/dog relationship.

Date: Sept 21-22, 2013
Location: Boston/Cambridge MA

This seminar is for trainers, shelter staff, vets, vet techs, parents and expectant parents.

CEUS: CCPDT 12, IAABC 12

Click here for more details or to register

Download seminar flyer

Seminar Agenda

DAY 1 - SATURDAY: 

TIME: 9-9:30am - WELCOME: JENNIFER SHYROCK & COLLEEN PELAR

TIME: 9:30A-12:00P - WHAT DOGS WISH PEOPLE KNEW

PRESENTER: COLLEEN PELAR

• The “Good Dog Myth”, impossible standard and unrealistic expectations
• No “One size fits all” solution to rough toddler handling of dog
• Tolerance vs Enjoyment: when does kid behavior reach “enough already!”
• Teaching how to supervise and read body language & stress signals
• Setting Rules & Boundaries: what to look for & when to intervene
• Teens can be as tough as Toddlers!

TIME: 1PM-4:15PM - INCLUSION, REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND DOGS IN THE HOME

PRESENTER: JENNIFER SHRYOCK

• Strategies to Decrease Bite Incidents (1:00PM-2:30PM) Learn proactive planning for dog & child safety zones before baby’s arrival; We will go over increase in problems due to unpredictable baby/toddler body movements; Inclusion of dog in daily activities with baby/toddler always requiring SUPERVISION; Learning/teaching canine body language and stress signals; Resident vs family dog; What we know about “inclusion”
• Essential Tips For In Home Consultations (2:45PM-4:15PM)

DAY 2 - SUNDAY: 

TIME: 9-10:15AM CAPTURING THEIR ATTENTION: Activities for Kids

PRESENTERS: Jennifer Shryock & Colleen Pelar

• Kids learn best with active involvement. You’ll learn specific ideas for capturing kids attention and teaching them about dogs, either in private lessons or when teaching a roomful of kids basic safety like “Be a Tree”

TIME: 10:30-12PM – SPATIAL ISSUES: THINGS GET TOO CLOSE

PRESENTER: Jennifer Shryock

• Toddlers & dogs can clash if things get too close and parents miss a signal of discomfort from the dog. You’ll learn about age characteristics and behaviors that often lead to tense moments; Grumble & Growl Zones and how to prevent or handle them; age related behaviors and dog/children interactions; how and when to intervene. You will learn solutions for doing “things” differently & talking to clients without causing fear or shut down.

TIME: 1:00PM-2:30PM – COMMUNITY OUTREACH: SPEAK ABOUT KIDS &  DOGS WHILE PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS

PRESENTER: Colleen Pelar

• Sharing what you know about kids and dogs can improve safety and understanding. You’ll learn strategies to teach people and promote your business in your community, from fun fairs to library visits to school career days.. Be A Tree; The 3 Steps For Meeting Dog; Pros & Cons of bringing a demo dog; Activities to teach kids about dog body language.

TIME: 2:45P-4:15PM – DOGS & STORKS COMMUNITY EVENT (open to expecting parents in the community)

PRESENTER: Jennifer Shryock

• A live presentation of a Dogs & Storks program. You’ll hear actual questions & answers learn tips to share with clients who want to help prepare their dog for life with a baby!

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