5 March 2010

Computer games created by a British animal charity could teach children how to avoid being bitten by their pet dogs.

The Blue Dog Trust, which aims to educate parents and children about safe pet interaction, has developed software that instructs youngsters to avoid aggravating their dog by pulling its tail or making direct eye contact.

Researchers at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) in America are testing the software with the help of 100 pet-owning families with children aged between three and six.

UAB psychologist Dr David Schwebel said: "If this computer game successfully teaches young children to interact safely with their pet dogs, it could have enormous impact on reducing accidental bites from pet dogs."

Every year 4.5 million Americans receive dog bites, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported, and children aged between five and nine have the highest rate of dog-bite related injuries, the UAB said.