Dog Bite Prevention program

 

 

Dog Bites are a serious Public Health issue.  It usually involves a person and an animal and a knee jerk reaction.  The animal invariably loses.  This is a program, designed and presented by a teacher and animal activist, to show effective ways to prevent the bite in the first place.

 

Statistically, numbers show that over half of all cases involving Dog Bites are children aged younger than 12, while 20% of all bites are on elderly folk.  The cost involved is immense: not only the pain and suffering that ensues, but insurance, medical costs, loss of work days, possible long term implications and of course, the possible death of an animal, or person.

 

Let me put one thing straight, ALL DOGS BITE.  Whether it is a stray wild dog in the Karoo fighting for some mutton, or a lap dog protecting its handbag, they all bite.  The age old question of “does your dog bite?” is anecdotally sad.  Statistically, once again, it has been noted that mainly it is unneutered male dogs that bite strangers, whereas it is usually your own dog that will bite a family member.

 

The cost of my course is intangible when compared to Sports Equipment, but it includes time spent on animal related issues with the community, parent’s concerns and the general safety of the children in your care.  My core value is “teach a child, save a dog” and will be carried through not only to the immediate environment, but hopefully years from now we will hear of someone saying ANCHOR BASKET CLOCK saved my child’s life...

 

My program requires active community involvement, passive attention or a token commitment is not enough.  It is multidisciplinary and tailored for the different age groups’ needs based on their level of cognition.

Best results are obtained by doing all three steps, although it is designed to be adopted as a whole, it can be separately offered  Either way, the goal is to reduce the incidence of DOG BITES within your community and the improve the quality of life for both parents and (fur)children...

Education is key to reducing Dog Bites.  Everyone who comes into contact with the potential victims and aggressors becomes involved - the SPCA type organisations, vets, school nurses and first aiders, public health officials, parents and teachers.

Home education is critical to the success of any dog bite prevention program because half of all bites inflicted are by the family dog, in the apparent safety of the home. 

Children are the most common victims of serious bites;  70% of fatal dog attacks and half of all bite wounds requiring medical attention involve children.  The most vulnerable age demographic is boys, aged 5 - 9.  Dog bite injuries are rated third only to transport related and sports related injuries.  Children’s natural behaviours: running, yelling, grabbing, hitting, their quick and unpredictable movements and maintaining eye contact puts them at risk.  The proximity of a child’s face to the dog’s mouth also increases the likelihood of facial injuries.

My target group is therefore the Pre-grades up to including grade three.  I can continue all the way up to matric and adult education.

The time I need should reflect the severity of my program - making it part of the curriculum for a fixed time period will give it impetus.  It can be part of your Life Skills /Social Studies, Physical Education, Art, Performance Arts, Natural Science or even English/Afrikaans lessons.

It is not an addendum, it is part of the education process.

I start off with week one, step one - the ANCHOR.  For this I need a 20 minute spot with each class within the grade.

The second week is step two - the BASKET.  For this I need a 30 minute spot with each class within the grade.

Third week, step three - the CLOCK.  For this I need a double period, with each class within the grade, preferably in the hall or outside in an enclosed area, like a tennis/volleyball court.

An evening with parents and grandparents can also be scheduled which will cover a more in-depth program about WHY dogs bite and how to prevent situations that could lead to disaster.  This should be in the form of an interactive presentation, where questions can be answered and training tips offered.

 

If it all works out, I should be spending at least 100 minutes with each class, at the end of which everyone who participated correctly will receive a certificate of accomplishment as well as a flyer to take home to put up on the fridge door or notice board. The certificate has space on it for your own logo too.  I also have several colouring in pages that can be photocopied for reinforcement throughout the year.

The full C-Magic Active Dogs Dog Bite Prevention course is R850.00 per grade.

The parent/grandparent interaction is R850.00 for a two hour session.

Petrol costs to outlying areas (more 30kms from Milnerton) will be added

A 50 % deposit confirms booking, whereupon times and dates will be scheduled.

Thank you

 

 

Clara Correia (HDE)