The bottom line for preventing injury to children from dog bites is really quite simple: children in the presence of dogs must be under constant supervision by an adult capable of controlling both the child and the dog.

The majority of bites suffered by children are inflicted in a home environment when the child (or children) is left unsupervised with the dog.

Eighty-six per cent of the injuries occur when the child is playing with or petting the dog, approaching the dog while eating, or surprising the dog while sleeping.

Studies have shown that trying to teach children dog bite prevention has very poor success.

Those same studies have also shown that most children misinterpret dog body language, even after undergoing training on understanding behaviour. It is up to the adults to provide the necessary supervision.

Parents need to recognize and diffuse common triggers for dog bites. Dogs will instinctively protect their territory (food, toys, yard, bed, etc).

When subjected to pain or when tormented dogs have only two choices - run (if there is room) or retaliate.

Do not let your children tease, pull on, tug, rough house or lay upon the dog.

Children do not have the ability to fully comprehend empathy until 5-7 years of age and will experiment on the dog if not supervised.

Many of the things children do to reduce a dog's tolerance towards children is done with a lack of knowledge on the part of the child or adult that the behaviour creates pain or fear in dogs.

The worst thing you can do is say "Oh Jane, can do anything to Muffy and she would never bite."

This is an unfair situation for Muffy and a dangerous situation for Jane.

Parents (or supervisors of the pet) must have full control of the dog.

Training classes are extremely important for all family members throughout the life of the pet.

It is also important that you provide a secure environment for your dog so they do not escape and roam the neighbourhood.

If you have a fenced yard but people can put their hands through, put up a second buffer fence.

If you are approached by an unknown strange dog that you suspect may be aggressive, do not yell, wave your arms and run. Instead, face it but do not look it in the eye. Stay calm. Blend into the background. And back away to a safe location. Try to get something between you and the dog.

Here are some of the basics parents and adults must know and need to teach their children.

- Never disturb a sleeping dog.

- Never disturb a dog that is eating.

- Never pet a dog without letting it see you and sniff you first.

- Never approach a dog that is roaming loose.

- Never tease a dog (through a fence or otherwise).

- Never chase, corner, pull, tug, or wrestle with a dog.

- Don't scream, yell or be very loud around a dog.

- Do not stare directly into a dog's eyes.

- Never approach a dog that is confined (in a yard, car, on a tether).

- Ask the owner for permission to pet their dog.

- Wait until the owner has full control of their dog before approaching and petting the dog.

- Only pet a dog if the owner is present. Even if you know the dog, leave it alone unless the owner is with it.

- Do not let children touch injured animals.

May your dog and children live together happily and safely!

- Dr. Borgmann is a pet columnist and veterinarian with the Whatcom Road Veterinary Hospital in Abbotsford.