Children in a dog park:
Dangers
• Not all dogs are child-friendly. Never allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the
owner's presence and approval.
• Herding dogs may nip at children while attempting to "round them up."
• A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child
resembles an injured animal or prey.
• Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs. An interested child wants to stare into a dog's face, but
this may provoke a dog unintentionally.
• Never let your child have toys or food in a dog park. A friendly dog might knock down your child to get at a bright ball or cookie.
• One adult to supervise several children and the family dog is not sufficient to ensure everyone's safety and control. Be sure you can
care of everyone you bring to a dog park.
• All dogs have the potential to bite.
Parents: If you do bring your children to a dog park, please teach them how to behave with animals and what to do in an emergency:
• Never run.
• Hide your face.
• Tuck your arms and legs into your body.
• Curl up in a ball, face down on your hands and knees.
• Be as still and quiet as possible.
• Wait for help or until the dog has left.
• Do not stand.
Health risks
• Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching wood chips where feces or urine are
present. That is one major reason dogs are prohibited from children's playgrounds and school yards.
• Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in a dog park.
• Children can pick up fleas, lice, or skin mites from infected dogs.
• Tennis balls may carry disease and contamination.
Dangers
• Not all dogs are child-friendly. Never allow your child to approach or pet a strange dog without the
owner's presence and approval.
• Herding dogs may nip at children while attempting to "round them up."
• A running, squealing or screaming child may become a target for many dogs, because the child
resembles an injured animal or prey.
• Direct eye contact is confrontational to dogs. An interested child wants to stare into a dog's face, but
this may provoke a dog unintentionally.
• Never let your child have toys or food in a dog park. A friendly dog might knock down your child to get at a bright ball or cookie.
• One adult to supervise several children and the family dog is not sufficient to ensure everyone's safety and control. Be sure you can
care of everyone you bring to a dog park.
• All dogs have the potential to bite.
Parents: If you do bring your children to a dog park, please teach them how to behave with animals and what to do in an emergency:
• Never run.
• Hide your face.
• Tuck your arms and legs into your body.
• Curl up in a ball, face down on your hands and knees.
• Be as still and quiet as possible.
• Wait for help or until the dog has left.
• Do not stand.
Health risks
• Children are more susceptible to contracting intestinal worms and other infections from touching wood chips where feces or urine are
present. That is one major reason dogs are prohibited from children's playgrounds and school yards.
• Be sure your children (and you) always wear shoes in a dog park.
• Children can pick up fleas, lice, or skin mites from infected dogs.
• Tennis balls may carry disease and contamination.
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Copyright Larkin's Run 2008-2009