Kids and their furry friends

Remember, too, that children are often very hard on animals, says Maloney. “You really have to work on teaching them how to treat pets.”

Teach them to approach dogs from the side, not head on. A side approach is viewed as less-threatening. And, of course, they should pet softly. “Toddlers especially won’t have the coordination to pet gently on their own. If you just take their hand and direct them they’ll learn, though,” says Maloney.

Also remember that very young children shouldn’t be left alone with even a very old, slow and lovable family dog. This is more for the dog’s protection. Toddlers have been known to inadvertently poke a dog’s eyes, pull his tail or lie on him.

“Dogs do tend to recognize young things and tend to tolerate more from youngsters, but you don’t want the animal to get hurt,” says Maloney.

Supervision is critical
Supervision, in fact, is the best tip of all. While parents shouldn’t fear exposing children to animals — and in fact they should relish it — supervision is the key.

Nicholas Faibish’s mother said that she put her son in the basement playroom and put a shovel against the door so the dogs wouldn’t have access. The female dog was in heat and the male was acting aggressive because of it. According to reports, she told her son to stay there until she returned from her errands but, tragically, he didn’t.

The best tip is one learned from the fate of this young boy. Children of any age shouldn’t be left alone with a dog showing any hint of aggression.

Spaulding notes that dogs can be extra volatile if not spayed or neutered and she says it’s not even a good idea to have children in a household with sizable dogs that haven’t been fixed.

“It’s appalling to me that they had an aggressive animal in the house with a child present. It should never be done,” warns Spaulding.

Victoria Clayton is a freelance writer based in California and co-author of the new book "Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife and a Mom," published by Fair Winds Press.

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