Several week ago, in conjunction with Capital Area Humane Society and other animal rescue organizations, ?“bully breed?” responsible owner/dog obedience classes began at my home. Owners, along with their spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated puppies and dogs, gather for an hour or so of comprehensive instruction on positive reinforcement training. In attendance there may also be some of my personal veterinary staff and/or Ohio State University Animal Behavior Department staff as well as off-duty law enforcement personnel. We have decided not to take walks off my property due to potential encounters with those owners who do not control their dogs and who allow their dogs off leash.
Friday evening, June 29, was concerning to me. Twice we were interrupted by inquisitive, UNSUPERVISED young children. I had never seen these children in the neighborhood prior to this evening. They very innocently approached adults and dogs. Fortunately, everyone on my property has passed a criminal background check because of their careers or their dog adoptions. None of us would do harm to a child or allow our dogs to do so. However, depending on whom the children decide to approach the next time they are not being watched, fate may not smile on them or their families.
As an ordained clergy member and longtime internationally published and quoted authority on canine behavior, one of the services I provide is visiting underprivileged elementary and secondary schools for the purpose of teaching students and faculty safety with dogs and within their communities. This is done with the sincere hope that I may prevent yet another child from being bitten or mauled by a dog - as dog bite statistics are astronomical and can so easily be avoided.
Another component of my instruction is explaining to children that sometimes ?“strangers?” who could harm them will use ?“pets?” as an attraction for a child. I am firm when I tell children to NEVER approach a dog they do not know - not while it is being walked by an adult they do not know; not when the dog is on a chain or behind a fence; not while the dog is in a vehicle; and if they see a loose dog, they should leave the immediate area and tell an adult. I also explain how to avoid being bitten or seriously injured if a dog should approach them.
Yvette McGee Brown, President, The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Children?’s Hospital, said it best during a television interview, ?“Children under the age of nine should be supervised at all times.?”
Thank you all and God Bless,
Lynn Hays, a neighbor and block watch representative who cares about family
By Lynn Hays
Friday evening, June 29, was concerning to me. Twice we were interrupted by inquisitive, UNSUPERVISED young children. I had never seen these children in the neighborhood prior to this evening. They very innocently approached adults and dogs. Fortunately, everyone on my property has passed a criminal background check because of their careers or their dog adoptions. None of us would do harm to a child or allow our dogs to do so. However, depending on whom the children decide to approach the next time they are not being watched, fate may not smile on them or their families.
As an ordained clergy member and longtime internationally published and quoted authority on canine behavior, one of the services I provide is visiting underprivileged elementary and secondary schools for the purpose of teaching students and faculty safety with dogs and within their communities. This is done with the sincere hope that I may prevent yet another child from being bitten or mauled by a dog - as dog bite statistics are astronomical and can so easily be avoided.
Another component of my instruction is explaining to children that sometimes ?“strangers?” who could harm them will use ?“pets?” as an attraction for a child. I am firm when I tell children to NEVER approach a dog they do not know - not while it is being walked by an adult they do not know; not when the dog is on a chain or behind a fence; not while the dog is in a vehicle; and if they see a loose dog, they should leave the immediate area and tell an adult. I also explain how to avoid being bitten or seriously injured if a dog should approach them.
Yvette McGee Brown, President, The Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Children?’s Hospital, said it best during a television interview, ?“Children under the age of nine should be supervised at all times.?”
Thank you all and God Bless,
Lynn Hays, a neighbor and block watch representative who cares about family
By Lynn Hays
