ABSTRACT: Research shows that interacting with animals can support a child’s development of empathy, pro-social behaviour and responsible attitudes. Dog owners and non-owners both have responsibilities to ensure interactions are successful. When interactions fail, injury can ensue which may be extremely severe in the case of children. For the dog, destruction is a frequent outcome. This paper provides suggestions for the provision of prophylactic advice to owners and non-owners to help prevent such tragedies occurring.

Author

Anne McBride BSc(Hons) PhD CertCons FRSA Hon Mem BVNA MAPBC Hon Mem UKRCB

Since 1987, Anne has been an animal behaviour therapist and trainer: In her puppy and dog training classes she emphasises teaching canine life skills and giving owners the know-how to continue training their pet on their own. An international lecturer on human-animal interactions, Anne was given honorary BVNA membership in 2013.

Keywords: Clinical, Children, Match

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 29 (10) • October 2014 • pp329-331

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