Do your kids love dogs? Was it the pleading of your children that influenced your decision to get a family dog in the first place? Time and time again, dogs are portrayed dogs as the faithful, protective companion to kids.
But the truth is that when it comes to dogs, children are more vulnerable than adults. Kids are more often injured by dogs than adults. Children's injuries are also more severe.
Unfortunately, some parents assume that because of the breed of dog they have chosen, they can relax and assume that nothing would happen to their child. The truth of the matter is that there is no breed that is 100% safe around children. Both children and dogs need training, and supervision, for their safety.
If you have children and a dog in the family it is your responsibility, no matter how gentle you believe your dog to be, to always supervise your dog around children, and to teach your children these safety rules for behavior around the family dog. 1) Be calm around dogs. Running and shrieking around dogs can easily trigger their "prey drive". 2) Teach your children that dogs don't like hugs and kisses. What seems like natural affection to your child, can seem threatening to a dog. 3) Never sneak up on a dog and surprise him or her. What seems like a fun game to kids can be very threatening to a dog. 4) Leave sleeping dogs and eating dogs alone. 5) Never, ever, tease a dog!
Also consider sterilizing your dog. Dogs that have been fixed are usually calmer and healthier.
What about your dog? He or she needs patient training, too. Bring your dog to obedience lessons using positive reinforcement methodology. You should never pin, shake, choke or hold down a dog to teach him or her who's boss. Dogs have been known to turn their aggression on weaker family members when they are treated this way. Along the same line, do not ever allow your kids to punish the family dog.
The best idea is to build positive associations for your dog when in the presence of children. When children are respectful to the dog around them, the dog has a good association. Treats offered by children can also go a long way. Older children can be involved in training the dog.
Games can be both good and bad for dogs. It depends on the type of game.
Dog are animals and can play pretty rough. This is why you should not allow games where the dog chases the child, and tug of war. Try fetch instead. Just don't allow tug of war with the ball or stick at the end.
Other fun games are hide and seek (dog finds the child and the child rewards dog with a toy or a treat), and running together side by side on a leash. Older children can have lots of fun teaching the dog tricks, too.
But the truth is that when it comes to dogs, children are more vulnerable than adults. Kids are more often injured by dogs than adults. Children's injuries are also more severe.
Unfortunately, some parents assume that because of the breed of dog they have chosen, they can relax and assume that nothing would happen to their child. The truth of the matter is that there is no breed that is 100% safe around children. Both children and dogs need training, and supervision, for their safety.
If you have children and a dog in the family it is your responsibility, no matter how gentle you believe your dog to be, to always supervise your dog around children, and to teach your children these safety rules for behavior around the family dog. 1) Be calm around dogs. Running and shrieking around dogs can easily trigger their "prey drive". 2) Teach your children that dogs don't like hugs and kisses. What seems like natural affection to your child, can seem threatening to a dog. 3) Never sneak up on a dog and surprise him or her. What seems like a fun game to kids can be very threatening to a dog. 4) Leave sleeping dogs and eating dogs alone. 5) Never, ever, tease a dog!
Also consider sterilizing your dog. Dogs that have been fixed are usually calmer and healthier.
What about your dog? He or she needs patient training, too. Bring your dog to obedience lessons using positive reinforcement methodology. You should never pin, shake, choke or hold down a dog to teach him or her who's boss. Dogs have been known to turn their aggression on weaker family members when they are treated this way. Along the same line, do not ever allow your kids to punish the family dog.
The best idea is to build positive associations for your dog when in the presence of children. When children are respectful to the dog around them, the dog has a good association. Treats offered by children can also go a long way. Older children can be involved in training the dog.
Games can be both good and bad for dogs. It depends on the type of game.
Dog are animals and can play pretty rough. This is why you should not allow games where the dog chases the child, and tug of war. Try fetch instead. Just don't allow tug of war with the ball or stick at the end.
Other fun games are hide and seek (dog finds the child and the child rewards dog with a toy or a treat), and running together side by side on a leash. Older children can have lots of fun teaching the dog tricks, too.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about dog safety, then visit Patty Matriberry's site on how to choose the best dog car harness for your needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment