Dog bite prevention | Autism PDD

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Brilliant!  This is so timely for us.  My youngest son will not leave our poor 13 year-old lab alone.  He's not mean to her.  He just keeps invading her space and touching her face.  She does not like it.  So far, our words have been falling on deaf ears.  I will be going through these resources with him today.  Thanks!!!!!Thanks, we will be adding a dog to the family soon. I've found it hard to teach dd dog safety and we won't be getting one until she understands.Wow, thanks Norway Mom!  You are always wonderful at finding great links.  It's so important to keep all little ones safe from dog bites.

My husband was bitten when he very young as was my best friend (hers was on the face by the family Basset Hound!)  I have a tiny, 5lb Pomeranian that I always supervise when my dd pets him.  I don't have to worry about them being alone together because he follows me everywhere all of the time.

Thanks Norway!  And just to let you know I got a lot of good tips and ideas from these links the first time around (so everyone check them out,) and to let you know we are having quite a bit of success in this department!!

One of the links had these "flash cards" that showed the actions of mean dogs vs nice dogs and I printed those up...I also used a lot of the rhymes you used in your social story and made some other cards...I too googled pictures of dogs...all sorts of dogs big and small to show Mason it pertains to ALL dogs.  Printed up lots of coloring pages for him and his sister to color.

And I'm so happy to say it's been working so great, so a big THANK YOU again for all your extra work and help!

P.S.--very nice social story!!  I have to say, I never thought of using Scooby to tell the story, great idea!

Awhile back, emerald_521 posted a story about a friend's child who was bitten by a neighbor's dog, requiring 100 stitches and plastic surgery. 

In response to that story, I tracked down lots of resources on the Internet that can be used to keep our kids safe.  Today I also finished an illustrated social story for my kids, which I'm posting separately under this topic.

First the links (ignore the yellow highlighting).  If a link is broken, try deleting blank spaces in the address first.  If it still doesn't work, let me know.

Text that could be used as social stories:

http://www.kidsanddogs.org/kadierhymes.pdf - rules that rhyme -- easier to remember!  (basis for NorwayMom's social story below).

http://www.dogsafety.org.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Kids-Dog-S afety-Tips-for-Kids-Index!OpenDocument  - more rules in rhyme format (also the basis for NorwayMom's social story below).

http://www.k911dogtraining.info/dogsafetyarticle.html - basically a social story

http://www.westwinddogtraining.com/learningdogsafety/html/li ttle_ones.html - basically another social story which includes a great tip:  "If the dog comes up to you, stand still.  Give yourself a big hug and play TREE."

http://www.understand-a-bull.com/DogBitePrevention/FamilyGuideDogSafety.pdf - detailed booklet that could work as a social story for older kids.

Online videos and slideshows:

http://www.hsus.org/about_us/our_global_family_and_affiliate s/national_association_for_humane_and_environmental_educatio n/dog_bite_prevention_resources_for_children.html  - video "Preventing Dog Bites II" might be appropriate for some kids

http://www.doggonesafe.com/speak%20dog%20downlaod%20page.htm - slide show with dog rules and dog body language pictures, including picture of "be a tree".

Online games and quizzes:

http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/games/livingsafe/living_safe r.html - drag n drop online game where you identify the dangerous elements of each picture.

http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/games/Likelytobite/likely_to _bite.html - another drag n drop online game where you identify the dogs that are likely to bite and why.

http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/games/PatDog/pat_the_dog.htm l - online game.  Is the person ready to pat?  yes or no?

http://www.dogsafety.org.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Kids-Dog-S afety-Quiz-Index!OpenDocument - online quiz

Activity sheets and coloring pages:

http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/PETS_dogbite_colorpg.pdf - activity sheet to color, plus tips

http://www.dogsandkids.ca/activity_on_safedogs.pdf - another activity sheet to color, for older kids

http://www.pbrc.net/poppysplace/games/ColoringSheets/ColorIm ages/DogSafetycolorsht.jpg - coloring page with 6 dog safety rules

http://landofpuregold.com/fido.htm - treasure trove of coloring pages, each covering a different rule.

http://www.bowwowow.com/ - good coloring booklet under "fun pages"

http://www.akc.org/pdfs/PBSAF2.pdf - info and activity booklet to color

Printable images:

http://www.doggonesafe.com/see%20it%20quick%20reference%20ca rd.pdf - printable cards showing safe vs. dangerous dog body language

http://www.doggonesafe.com/calendar.htm - more pictures showing each dog in approachable vs. dangerous mood.

My social story uses Scooby Doo characters as the narrators.  You can use the images I found (using google) or pictures of dogs that your child knows.

Title:  Our four-legged friends
http://www.ladybird.co.uk/favouriteCharacters/images/scoobyD oo/scooby.gif

"Like, I love dogs, especially my best friend Scooby here.  To be a good friend to dogs, one thing you gotta know is when to leave 'em alone.  Isn't that right, Scoob?"
http://clampettstudio.com/images/opc/june2003/12-RC2354-Scoo by-Shaggy.jpg

"Ready to learn the rules?"  "Rou ret!"
http://www.amazon.com/Scooby-doos-Guide-School-Scooby-Doo-Ho wie/dp/0439438179/ref=sr_1_57/104-5219620-8195900?ie=UTF8&am p;s=books&qid=1188227209&sr=1-57

If a dog is tied up,
stay away, don't walk up.

http://www.contrinotravel.com/images/pooch.jpg

If a dog has a bone,
you should leave him alone
http://www.askthemeatman.com/images/golden_retriever_chewing _bone.jpg

If a dog has a snack,
don't come close
Just step back.
http://www.savvy-dog-lovers.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads /2006/12/dog-food.jpg

If the dog is asleep, wait till later to greet.
http://joi.ito.com/images2/sleepybo.jpg

Puppies need their mom to snuggle.
Don't disturb or there'll be trouble.
http://www.siberianhuskies.net/husky_may.html

"Like, why do dogs run, Scoob?"
"Ronsters?"

http://www.thecinemasource.com/movies/reviews/Scooby-Doo-Whe re-Are-You-The-Complete-3rd-Season-DVD-review-2954-0.html

"No, silly.  Dogs often run and bark in reaction to what we do.  Here are some tips about how to act around dogs."

http://www.scoobyfrench.homestead.com/files/Velma_Clue.JPG

Be quiet, don't shout --
that freaks a dog out.
http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/1054/75026059.JPG

Calm and slow
is the way to go!
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/91/46/23464691 .jpg

Don't look in a dog's eye
when you walk by.
Just look at your shoe
as you pass through.
http://starbulletin.com/2001/07/24/features/artb.jpg

If unsure of a dog, be a tree or a log
http://www.loveyourdog.com/images/katelyntree.jpg
http://www.loveyourdog.com/images/katelynstone.jpg

"I love to pat dogs and give them Scooby Snacks, but I always follow the rules. 
Do you know the rules, Fred?"
http://www.pyramidposters.com/catalogue/post-cards/film-tv-p ersonalities/PC9482_SCOOBY%20DOO!%20-%20DAPHNE%20(SCOOBY%20S NACK)

"Of course, Daphne.  Rule number one is to get permission."
http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/thumb/8/80/250 px-Daphne_fred_wnsd.jpg

To pat a dog or pup, first ask a grown-up.
http://pawlitepups.com/db5/00415/pawlitepups.com/_uimages/le no008.jpg

Dogs sniff to understand,
so show them your hand.
http://www.kintala.com.au/girl.jpg

Pat their chin, shoulders or chest.
That's safest and best!
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/44/98/23499844 .jpg

But keep your cute face, out of their space!
http://www.topnotchdog.com/childrenAndDogs.asp

A dog's not a toy.  Never tease or annoy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42126000/jpg/_42126494_do g_ap_416.jpg

Just act like a friend, for fun without end !
http://gooddogideas.com/gdi-img/010207.jpg

Rooby rooby roo!
http://www.redkid.net/generator/scooby/scooby.jpg

Scooby Doo hereby grants a gold medal in doggy friendship skills to _______ (name).  Congratulations on mastering the rules for when to leave a dog alone
how to act around a dog and how to pat a dog.
http://www.animatedbliss.com/FORUM/uploads/joshualane/228_la ff-a-lympics.jpg
Adapted from:

http://www.dogsafety.org.nz/dogsafety.nsf/wpg_URL/Kids-Dog-S afety-Tips-for-Kids-Index!OpenDocument

http://www.kidsanddogs.org/kadierhymes.pdf

GREAT STORY! Our area has had a lot of problems with dog bits. 

I read the social story with them for the first time last night.  We discussed each page during the first reading, then paged through the book again and gave them each a turn to try and remember the rules.  They learned very quickly.

I also wanted to clarify that most of the images I used were of real dogs of various breeds.  The Scooby pictures were used at the beginning and end, and to introduce the next section of the book.  There are 3 sections:  when to leave a dog alone, how to act around a dog, and how to pat a dog.

 

Last night my oldest son was "attacked" by a dog.  The story is below, but I just want to assure you there was absolutely no harm done.  Not even mental harm.  He was very scared, but was willing to go with the neighbor dad and greet the dog afterward, have him sniff his hand, etc.

I wasn't there, but from what I can piece together from the neighbor dad's account, he had unwittingly surprised  the dog from behind, then panicked when the dog reacted.  He ran and the dog started to give chase -- because that's what sheep dogs do (not sure exactly what kind of sheep dog it was).

He ran even though we have read our social story several times and he knows to "be a tree or a log."  I often see him being a tree when we pass by perfectly harmless dogs, butwhen push came to shove he panicked.

I guess we just gotta keep working on it.

These are great tips.  I'm glad to hear your son is alright.

We have a new puppy and she gave Anthony a chomp about a month ago and he ended up with 2 stiches in his face.  He had been warned repeatedly that dogs don't like to be hugged, etc.  And, I still have to keep on him because he still does things he shouldn't. 

However, the dog trainer did not believe she bit him out of aggression.  He said it would have been much worse if she was mad.  He believes that Lola thinks of Anthony as a peer and she wanted to play - that's how puppies play - they nip each other. 

We are now in a training process of teaching Lola she is bottom rung in the house and that all children are higher up the chain than she is - which means you don't get to nip at anyone in order to play.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Once is a mistake - twice brings you back to the adoption center.

 

mamajot39608.4643287037Thought it was about time to remind everyone about keeping our kids safe around dogs.

Excellent!  The dog trainer we are using is the local expert for search and rescue, tracking, and when a dog attacks someone, the authorities bring it to him to assess.

He told me that not just the running, but squealing or crying can set some dogs off.  Says they are motivated by instinct, food, commands, trying to please alpha-dog owner, etc.  Often, it is the instinct stuff people (including me) forget about.

In a pack, they are in competition with other packs.  If a member of the dog's pack makes signs of weakness, the dog will grab it and shake it, or hold it by the throat.  The dog is saying to that squealing or crying pack member: SHUT UP!  We cannot let the other pack hear that, or we all will be attacked.

Dogs see one of the parents as the pack leader, the other parent as next in line, and when the kids are younger than 10 (or shorter than your average 10 year old), their peers or even subordinates in the pack.

Even a family dog can be set off, particularly out of doors, so kids under the age of 10 should never be left alone with a dog.  They can SLEEP with the dog alone, because the kids aren't crying or whining or tail pulling, etc.

Since some of us have new dogs, I thought this would be helpful info.

Thanks, NMom!!!

LeAnne C39575.2671527778

I just wanted to add another rule, although I won't take the time to put it in rhyme like the above social story.

No grabbing or trying to carry or restrain a dog.

My Dad reminded me of this rule.  A few years back, his dog bit a neighbor girl (luckily didn't break the skin).  The dog had gotten loose, and the neighbor girl was trying to be nice and catch it for us.  She grabbed the dog and he bit -- naturally, he couldn't understand that her intentions were good and that she was actually a friend. 

We've been in contact with dogs for our whole vacation this past month, and I've actually had to emphasize this rule more than any other.  My kids have wanted to "help out" by trying to control the dogs when they get loose or get into something.  So I've had to remind them not to grab, but to try to talk and gesture to the dogs instead.

 


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