Children & Dogs: the do's and don'ts

Any of us who remember the dogs we had as young children will also remember what a special time in our lives it was with many fond memories of our childhood companion, but, those who watch the news often enough will read of stories where, unlike ours, these heartfelt stories of a child and their dog didn't go to plan. Dog attacks on children are becoming more and more common as time goes on.

Whether the media's lust for making a meal out of these stories has increased over the years or parents are just becoming far too lenient with how they allow their children, especially toddlers, treat their family pets, I guess it'll be one question we will never get to the bottom of. It is down to the owners parents to educate our children correctly and put in safe measures to ensure we reduce the risk of injury when interacting SAFELY!

A study was carried out by an American Child Psychologist a few years ago now to find out why dog bites and children were clashing more and more. He found that most parents in an attempt to, rightly or wrongly, reduce the fear of their children feel around dogs would tell their child that when a dog bared his teeth that he was 'smiling' at them. A perfectly innocent way of educating a young child at first glance, but, in fact this is setting your child up to be bitten as they will not take the 'smile' for what it truly is, a final warning.

I have always said children should NEVER be left unsupervised with a dog no matter how much of a patient and affectionate temperament he has. For a baby born into the home that already owns an adult dog who is maybe not used to children I always instruct them to:

1. Not to disturb the dog while he is sleeping or eating, a surprised dog can potentially be a dangerous dog. 
2. Not to pull on his tail, ears, lips or try to sit on his back. If he isn't used to rough handling he is even less likely to accept it from a child. 
3. Teach the child that because he cannot speak to tell you he's had enough that he instead has to show his teeth and that is their que to leave him in peace. 

Some dogs, especially bitches, have a strong maternal or paternal instinct so will probably sense that it is a baby and nurture them and be a lot of patient with them, if so then allow a certain degree of the above listed but always be mindful, accidents do happen.

For a family who is introducing a puppy to a family this is slightly different because you can get him used to all of the above things mentioned, but like an adult dog there is a few don'ts to abide by when having a puppy.

1. Don't disturb him while he sleeps, puppies need a lot of sleep when they are young just like children do. 
2. Don't allow children to walk or train the puppy until he has learnt some manners.
3. Don't feed the children in the same room as the puppy, children are clumsy and will drop food occasionally or if at a suitable level the puppy will attempt to steal it off their plate. 
4. Children can rough play with the puppy by all means but be mindful that puppies have needle teeth and claws so keep an eye out for torn clothes and the odd scratch or nip. 
5. If the puppy tries to steal a child's toy, redirect it with one of his own toys.

Let them enjoy each other's company and their commonalities: they are young and see the world as fun but just know when its time to call it quits when things get a little too excitable. 

Hope this helps!