
KIDS & DOGS
Jumping, pouncing, biting, chase and be chased - that's how puppies play with
each other.
To your puppy, a child on all fours is just a funny looking dog.
A running, squealing child is irresistible.
"If
your 5 year old boy frequently played by sitting on your 3 year old and the
3 year old used to just
yell or cry but over the last week has started hitting back will the 3 year
old now hit regularly?
The answer is, that as long as you let the 5 year old harass him instead of
playing appropriately,
then yes, because the cause of the problem has not stopped." - Sophia Yin
Great
article: Kids
and Dogs and Problems, Oh My!
from Sympawtico Dog Training
Superb
answer to the question:
"Is it safe for our Labrador to live with our kids?" by Sophia Yin
Tips
for kids:
STOP! Stand up tall, fold your arms, and stand STILL.
Fast movements and high pitched voices excite dogs. Stand still so he can't
chase you. Fold your arms so no body parts are dangling or waving. Stand up
tall and you'll seem more like an adult.
Hug
the object to your chest.
If your dog
is trying to steal your favorite toy or peanut butter sandwich, avoid holding
it above your head or hiding it behind your back - this could encourage the
dog to leap to grab it. Instead, stand up tall and hug the object close against
your chest.
Have
a safe word - something you say when you need mom's help.
"I'LL
TELL MOM!" Mom will step in to help you whenever she hears these words, so you'll
always have back up. Try not to squeal or cry - these sounds remind the dog
of a puppy or a squeaky toy - and how do dogs act around puppies and squeaky
toys? Raise your body and lower your voice.
Keep
your prized possessions out of reach.
Close
your bedroom door when you go to school. Don't taunt your dog with your favorite
toy unless you want it to be chewed up later. It looks like so much fun when
you play with it, of course your dog can't wait for the chance to play with
it, too.
He
stares at you when you eat because it works.
Don't
share your food unless you enjoy being pestered every time you eat. If he's
certain that you will share, he's more apt to steal from you!
Hold your hand still when giving food rewards.
Dogs grab for moving targets and might get your fingers, too. Hold your hand
flat and still while you let the dog take it. Remember, food treats are REWARDS
for following a command, not freebies! Talk to mom and dad about how to train
the dog and what are appropriate food rewards.
Help
your parents take care of the dog.
You'll
look more like a grown-up if you help your mom and dad provide all the things
the dog needs. If the dog gets in trouble, tell your mom and dad, don't deal
with it yourself.
Tips
for parents:
SUPERVISE
all interactions between kids and dogs.
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Bites usually happen when the parents are absent. Kids don't always make the right choices. They don't recognize or heed the dog's warning signs. You need to BE THERE! Show your
children how to play appropriate games and STOP ALL INAPPROPRIATE FORMS
OF PLAY. It is your
job to reprimand the kids; it's never the dog's job.
It
is your job to reprimand the dog; it's never the kid's job. |
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Share
the responsibility.
With guidance and supervision, older kids can help with feeding, walking
and grooming. It's good for the dog to see them as providers of all things important
in his life. But remember, it may be Little Johnny's dog - but it's mom's responsibility
to help Johnny take care of his dog!
Carol
and Higgins at the 2006 Spokane Public Library
Summer Reading Program talking about dog training, safety and pet care.
Excellent
article on Kids & Dogs from the San Francisco SPCA
Visit
this great source for child safety and bite prevention information:
Part Two: Toddlers and Dogs
See
also:
Good with kids?
Space Invaders!

photo
courtesy Bea Wachter
This
handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and
with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com