Visit us at shapedbydog.com   We all have an important role to play in reducing the number of dog bites, in particular dog bites to children. Recent statistics on dog bites show that 77% of biting is by the family dog or a friend’s dog. It’s up to us to protect children, anyone who comes into contact with our dog, and our dog. I’ve got actionable strategies for you, and it all starts with how to R.E.A.D. a dog.   In the episode you'll hear:   What recent studies on dog bites tell us. How to use the acronym R.E.A.D. for everyone’s safety, including your dog’s. Why we can’t just assume our dog will get along with children. How our dogs respond to our stress. Why a dog’s emotional state increases the risk of a bite. The actions you can take to be an advocate for your dog. Things you can’t know about a dog and why proactivity is vital. What it looks like to have a safe interaction with a dog. What you can teach children for their safety around dogs. Why to believe what your dog is telling you. What to do if your dog growls at a child. Resources:   Podcast Episode 3: How Hollywood Made Life Tough For Dogs - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/3/ Paper: Dog Bites in Children Surge during Coronavirus Disease-2019: A Case for Enhanced Prevention - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7316443/ Paper: Interspecies transmission of emotional information via chemosignals: from humans to dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320265642_Interspecies_transmission_of_emotional_information_via_chemosignals_from_humans_to_dogs_Canis_lupus_familiaris Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture) - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/4/ Podcast Episode 22: The Invisible Bubble of Pressure and Your Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/22/ Dog Decoder App - https://www.dogdecoder.com/