Uab Tests Software Designed To Prevent Dog Bites

University of Alabama-Birmingham researchers are testing software designed to train children in dog bite prevention

. The program, called Blue Dog is already on the market in some areas.

The study is geared to children between the ages three and six. This is not a small problem, said David Schwebel, professor and vice chairman of the psychology department at UAB.

"Dog owners love their dogs and think their dogs are very safe," Schwebel told ABC News. A huge portion of dogs are safe. But if they get provoked the wrong way, they will bite.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, dogs bite about 4.5 million Americans per year, with several further cases going unreported.

Children can be especially susceptible to dog bites, according to the CDC. Dogs dont typically just snap, according to an ABC News report, and a number of common behaviors can get children bitten. A few of these habits include hugging tightly around the neck, tail-pulling and ear-touching.

The nonverbal Blue Dog software program presents children with choices to make in various situations involving dogs. In one scenario, a dog is eating. The child selects whether to play with the dog, or to leave it alone.

In another, the child chooses whether to play with its own toy or with the dogs toy. If the child makes the wrong choice, the Blue Dog will exhibit typical warning behaviorgrowling and baring teeth. The computer tells the child they have made the wrong choice without actually showing the consequences. When the dog growls, the cartoon child will, however, appear scared, reinforcing to the child they made the wrong decision.

UAB researchers observe children interacting with a dog in a controlled environment. The children are then sent home to use the Blue Dog software, and then return to the lab so researchers can note any change in their interactions. The control group is sent home with a different nonverbal computer game.

UAB researchers are hoping to see the child exhibit safer interactions with dogs after playing the game, for example petting the dog on the back instead of the face.

Dog bites are no joking matter. If your child has been bitten by a dog you own or even a strange dog, make sure you report it to the authoritiesmany states and counties require this by law. Be sure your child receives the appropriate medical care and vaccinations, even if the bite appears to be just a flesh wound.

Copyright (c) 2010 James Parrish

by: James Parrish

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