The survey, conducted by I. Reisner and F. Shofer (2008), analyzed responses from 804 dog owners at a university veterinary hospital. Owners answered 37 questions about dog behavior and safety practices concerning children.
Findings showed a general lack of knowledge about the signals and circumstances that raise the likelihood of dog aggression toward children. Importantly, women were more knowledgeable than men, and mothers scored higher in awareness than both female nonparents and fathers, particularly concerning interactions with infants and toddlers.
The results highlight that many owners remain unaware of risks such as resource guarding, defensive aggression, or stress signals in dogs that may precede biting incidents. These gaps in knowledge contribute to preventable risks in households with children.
The authors emphasize that veterinary consultations provide a crucial opportunity for educating owners. Guidance on body language, social signals, and safety practices can help reduce the risk of bites and promote safer dog–child interactions.
Source: Reisner, I., & Shofer, F. (2008). Effects of gender and parental status on knowledge and attitudes of dog owners regarding dog aggression toward children. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 233(9), 1412–1419.
