Television Time increases Toy Requests
New research shows that for each additional hour per day that a child watches television, an average of one additional request is made for an advertised product. The effect of the commercials on children lasts up to 20 weeks.
Source: www.newscientist.com

The Best Children's Books Available
There are some fantastic books available for the under-fives. Here is a newly updated list of some of the best, with descriptions, reviews and often money-off offers.
Source: www.studholme.net

>

Every year, a staggering number of children suffer horrific injuries from a dog attack. What is even more frightening, is that in many cases, the dog is known to the child.

Dogs are pack animals, where each dog understands its place in the hierarchy. Safe dogs are dogs that have been brought up to think that all humans, down to the smallest child, are above them in the hierarchy. Unfortunately, many dogs consider that children or adults that are not from their "family pack" are lower than them in the hierarchy and they consequently think they have permission to bite if the child or person does something that they don't like.

As we don't know how a dog is going to react to unfamiliar children or people, it is best to assume they may be nervous or defensive. As parents, we need to teach our children to behave appropriately around all dogs.

Children instinctively believe that a dog wagging its tail is friendly and can therefore be approached. However, no dog should be touched by a child without the owner's permission. A dog that has had little exposure to children could be nervous or afraid. If it is tied up or restrained in some way and is unable to "escape" from a fearful situation, the dog may bite out of fear. Likewise, encouraging children to "make friends" with it could also provoke the same reaction.

Never allow your child to approach or touch an unknown dog while it is eating, especially if it is eating a bone as this brings out the wolf in almost any dog. While children love to play with a dog, encourage them to be quiet and still around strange dogs. Noise and activity may provoke the dog to jump up at them.

Because of the dog's pack instinct, children should always try to stay "higher" physically than a dog to keep themselves in a dominant position. They shouldn't be encouraged to lie on the ground and let a dog jump all over them in rough and tumble play - even a little puppy. Supervise your children around strange dogs, even dogs you know quite well, as children are little balls of energy that can either over stimulate or frighten some dogs.

Dogs are fantastic animals and make great pets but they still have the ability to defend themselves or their family if they feel threatened. We need to be aware of this and treat them accordingly for the dog's well being and the safety of our children.

About the Author

Deborah Taylor has been an advisor on animal welfare matters for five years and has a blog on dog behavior training and related information.