Besides encouraging their owners to go for walks, they can be a great source of love and companionship. Dogs in families help children develop a sense of responsibility and caring for others. But dogs are also animals which sometimes cause harm - each year around 3,700 people in Australia attend hospital emergency departments for injuries caused by dogs. Children under five have the highest risk of being bitten, often suffering injuries to the head, face, or neck.
Some bites can permanently disfigure a child.
However most injuries are preventable with simple precautions and better understanding of dog behaviour. Never approach a strange dog without permission from its owner. Avoid approaching any dog that is sleeping or eating. If you do approach a dog, do so slowly with the back of the hand extended. Curl your fingers and let the dog sniff them.