“No matter how well you know your dog, young children should never be left unsupervised with them.”
Mon / Fri 7:30 am - 7 pm | Sat 9 am - 4 pm
There is always a lot of media attention around seemingly random, unprovoked dog attacks. No doubt it touches a deep cord in all of us.
As a mobile vet in Sydney, I have been to several house calls where dogs have been aggressive, the worst case being where another dog in the house was killed in a dog fight. Obviously, the outcome is much more devastating for the family when a human child is killed, as has happened in some cases.
The most important of all rules is to never leave a young child in the company of any dog without supervision – no matter how well you think you know your dog.
All dogs have strong, primitive instincts, and when they feel threatened, you can never predict how they will behave, often with physical force, as that is how they protect themselves.
It is important to be able to read and understand your dog’s behaviour. Being able to read our pets’ fear and anxiety helps us better understand their feelings and manage the situation more effectively.
A dog displaying fear or anxiety is far more likely to bite or attack when provoked, and so these signs must not be ignored. Some of the signs of fear or anxiety are more obvious, but others are more subtle, such as licking lips, panting, and yawning. If you notice this behaviour, it is important to understand why your pet is behaving this way so you can address the problem. I also have some information on what to do in the event of a dog fight or attack in my blog.
It is also very important to know how best to handle and approach your pet dogs and cats. An easy way to understand it is simply to think about how you would treat and approach people, as there are many similarities.
Dr Sophia Yin, a veterinarian in the United States of America, has published several articles on behaviour and maintains a very good website with this information. I have some links below to some of these fact sheets, which you can print out and use for educational activities with your kids. They have cartoon pictures and are very descriptive and easy to read.
“A dog showing fear or anxiety is far more likely to react aggressively if pushed.”
It is also currently “Polite Pets Month”, and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) website has excellent public material on dogs and cats, including how to understand their behaviour and manage them effectively. It is certainly worthwhile having a look at some of this material. Click on the links above to go to these pages.
Don’t forget that our pets have their own special ways of expressing their emotions and responding to the environment, so it is imperative that you read them appropriately. Even the most well-meaning and adoring pet can become aggressive and dangerous if the appropriate trigger occurs.
I am more than happy to provide a mobile vet call to your home if you are unsure about anything or think your dog is behaving oddly. Don’t hesitate to call me for advice.
Key Takeaways
- Never leave a young child unsupervised with any dog
Even familiar dogs can react unpredictably if they feel threatened. - Most aggressive behaviour is linked to fear or anxiety
Recognising early signs helps prevent escalation. - Dogs communicate discomfort through subtle behaviours
Signals like panting, yawning or lip licking should not be ignored. - Understanding behaviour is key to preventing incidents
Careful observation and management reduce risk in the home.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to leave a child alone with a family dog?
No, young children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. Even well-known and gentle dogs can react unpredictably if they feel threatened. Supervision is the most important way to reduce risk.
What are the early warning signs a dog might bite?
Dogs often show subtle signs before reacting, including lip licking, panting and yawning. More obvious signs include growling, stiff posture or avoidance. Recognising these behaviours early allows you to intervene before the situation escalates.
Why do dogs become aggressive around children?
Aggression is often linked to fear, anxiety or feeling threatened. Children may unintentionally provoke a reaction through unpredictable movement or handling. Understanding these triggers helps reduce the likelihood of an incident.
How can I teach my child to behave safely around dogs?
Children should be taught to approach calmly and avoid disturbing dogs when they are eating or resting. Interactions should always be supervised and guided. Simple awareness of a dog’s space and signals can make a significant difference.
Can a normally calm dog suddenly become aggressive?
Yes, even calm dogs can react if they feel stressed or threatened. All dogs retain instinctive behaviours and may respond with physical force if pushed beyond their comfort level. This is why supervision and awareness are essential.
How can a mobile vet help with dog behaviour concerns at home?
A mobile vet can observe your dog’s behaviour in its normal environment and identify potential triggers. This can include how the dog interacts with family members and reacts to stress. Advice can then be tailored to your specific home situation.