It may seem harsh but it is a reality that so very many people are not prepared to accept that children are injured and dogs are destroyed thousands of times a day across the world because the adults around them do not see the risks.

The calmest, friendliest dog can do something "unforgiveable" when the signals are confused.

A dog can be so many things for so many people but for itself it can be only a dog. A dog that understands the basic dog rule of food with a one year old child that does not understand the basic dog rule of food is a recipe for all sorts of nasty stuff happening. If the dog uses it's right to defend the food it has been given by the leader of the pack in a physical way against a lower ranking pack member is it fair to blame the dog for it's actions?

If the child is encouraged to be close up and physical with the dog when it has food or toys that it is known to defend and the child is bitten is it the child's fault?

Surely a one year old child should not be placed in the false position of looking as if they are a leader at feeding time by being in control of any food when the dog clearly has the upper hand if it chooses to challenge?

My strong advice is to keep feeding time low key, let the dog have ten minutes of private time to eat, remove any left over food. Do not allow dog toys to be left lying allowed - they are produced when the dog is left alone or for training sessions.

There is nothing harsh here, just natural and safe practice.