Dogs and kids.
Observing the delightful interactions between children and their dogs is a heartwarming sight. It’s not merely a source of entertainment; it also offers children invaluable lessons in empathy, communication, and understanding the nuances of their furry companions. However, along with this joy, ensuring safety during these interactions is paramount. In this article, I will share practical suggestions designed to help parents and dog owners foster secure and positive experiences for both kids and dogs alike.
When it comes to children approaching unfamiliar dogs, teaching them the importance of seeking permission from the dog’s owner is crucial. The owner has intimate knowledge of their dog’s temperament and can assess whether it’s safe for a child to approach. They can also guide the child on the best ways to interact with the dog, as not every dog appreciates the affectionate hugs and kisses that many children naturally gravitate towards. If a child abruptly rushes toward an unfamiliar dog without permission, the dog might perceive this as a threat. Often restrained by a leash, the dog may lash out in fear, leading to barking, lunging, or even biting as a self-defensive reaction. This crucial point underscores the necessity of teaching children to engage with dogs in a respectful and cautious manner.
Creating a Safe Environment at Home
It’s vital to start early in teaching dogs how to interact safely with children. Many family’s welcome dogs into their homes before they have children, but it’s essential to consider that these dogs will likely not encounter children during their lives up to that point. Introducing dogs to young children can help foster a sense of comfort and joy, reducing the potential for biting incidents. This process goes beyond mere exposure; it calls for carefully managed interactions to ensure each experience is positive. Start with one well-behaved child engaging with the dog at a time, and gradually increase the number of children only when the dog appears comfortable and at ease. If the dog shows signs of hesitation or fear, maintain a safe distance initially, allowing children to observe the dog before engaging in closer interactions.
When considering adopting from a shelter or rescue, it’s vital to bring your children along. Observing how the dog reacts to kids can provide pertinent insights—an eagerness to engage with children is a promising sign, while a dog that seems indifferent or merely tolerant may indicate a preference for avoiding young ones. Should you choose to adopt a dog that only tolerates children, be prepared for the challenge of managing this dynamic, which often involves keeping the dog separated from kids during play. Remember, changing an adult dog’s established reactions to children can be a daunting task, especially if they’ve learned to exhibit behaviors like growling or snapping to ward off children they perceive as scary. Regardless of whether your dog is naturally fond of children, it is crucial to supervise all interactions between your dog and your child. Professionals in dog training and behavior consistently emphasize the importance of never leaving dogs and young children alone, even for a fleeting moment. Tragically, there have been numerous severe incidents of bites occurring because an adult left the room “just for a minute.”
Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby
- Condition Your Dog to Appreciate Babies: Expose your dog to as many positive experiences involving babies as possible. If feasible, use a doll for practice, but also ensure your furry friend can observe and experience a real baby, even from a safe distance, to foster a better association. Make every encounter with a baby feel celebratory for your dog.
- Anticipate Changes in Routine: Alter any routines or living arrangements—such as your dog’s sleeping area—well before the baby’s arrival. Major changes can induce stress and negative associations. For example, if your dog currently sleeps in the bedroom but will need to transition after the baby arrives, it is best to implement these changes gradually to avoid anxiety.
- Teach the “Go to Bed” Cue: By doing this you can instruct you dog to do a “go to bed” behavior, where they can lie down quietly on cue during family activities, ensuring they don’t feel excluded.
- Create a Safe Space: Help your dog become comfortable with being crated or in a designated “safe room” so that they can be calmly removed from unfamiliar situations without becoming anxious.
- Familiarize with Baby Scent: Bring home baby blankets from the hospital a few days before the baby’s arrival to allow your dog to become familiar with the baby’s scent ahead of time.
- Manage Excitement on Arrival Day: To lessen excitement upon the baby’s arrival, ensure your dog receives plenty of exercise beforehand. Have the new mom greet the dog first, while keeping the baby outside. Then, when bringing the baby into the home, ensure the dog remains calm and collected during this significant new family introduction.
Essential Considerations
Make sure to instruct your children to respect the dog’s space during critical times. They should be taught never to disturb a dog while it is eating, sleeping, recovering from an injury, or caring for puppies. It’s critical for children to understand the importance of not removing toys from a dog or approaching a dog when it’s on its bed. Additionally, caution them against approaching dogs that are confined in vehicles or behind fences, as these situations can lead to misunderstandings or fearful reactions.
Dogs, while often beloved family members, can exhibit unexpected behaviors that may include biting, especially in situations involving children. It’s crucial for pet owners to recognize the potential triggers that could lead to such an unfortunate event. Here are some possible reasons why a dog might display aggressive behavior towards a child:
- Physical Discomfort: A dog dealing with an injury or illness may have a diminished tolerance for disturbances. What might usually be a minor annoyance, such as a child pulling on his fur or tail, can become irritating or painful, prompting a defensive reaction.
- Overexcitement During Play: Dogs can become excessively excited during rough play. In the heat of the moment, what starts as a playful interaction might turn into a bite if the dog feels overwhelmed.
- Startled or Hurt: Children often inadvertently provoke dogs. A well-meaning child may accidentally step on the dog’s paw, poke him, or tug on his ears. Such actions can startle a dog and trigger a biting response, as he feels threatened or in pain.
- Resource guarding: Dogs can be fiercely protective of their resting spots. If they feel that a child is encroaching on their territory or personal space, they may react defensively. Many dogs guard their possessions—including toys, food, or even their puppies. If a child approaches or tries to take something the dog is guarding, he may lash out to protect what it sees as its rightful property.
- Prey Drive: Dogs have instinctual behaviors that can be triggered by fast movements. A child running, screaming, or even falling near a dog may tap into the dog’s predatory instincts, causing it to perceive the child as prey, which might lead to a bite.
This discussion is not intended to panic you or discourage your children from enjoying the companionship of dogs but to raise awareness about specific situations that could lead to a bite.
The Stress of Moving
When families welcome a new baby into their home, they often choose to move to larger living spaces. While this can provide more room for play and activity, it is essential to consider the resident dog’s feelings. Dogs are creatures of habit; they thrive on routine and familiar environments. A move can induce significant stress and anxiety in dogs, potentially more so than in the humans involved.
During this period of transition, the dog may become skittish or reactive in ways that he normally wouldn’t. For example, a child running around or approaching the dog too quickly might all of a sudden be perceived as a threat. If not closely monitored, such incidents could result in severe injuries or even fatal bites.
Keeping Everyone Safe
The most effective strategy to prevent biting incidents is vigilant supervision. Remember, ANY dog can bite under specific circumstances, so always keep this in mind. Observe interactions between your child and the dog closely. Do not allow your child to tease or inappropriately interact with the dog, such as pulling his tail or ears. Instead, if your dog has a healthy temperament and does not show signs of resource guarding, allow your child to gently offer treats to the dog.
Pay attention to the dog’s body language—it’s a key indicator of its comfort level. Signs that a dog is becoming stressed or uncomfortable include a stiff body posture, tucked tail, ears pinned back, visible whites of the eyes (known as “whale eyes”), excessive yawning, licking of the lips, growling, or even snapping. If you observe any of these signals, intervene immediately and create some distance between your child and the dog.
Encouraging only positive interactions with the dog is essential, and it’s equally important not to punish the dog during any interactions. Doing so may create negative associations in the dog’s mind about the child, leading it to view the child as a potential threat.
It’s also worth noting that some breeds, such as Border Collies, have strong chase instincts and may be inclined to chase after moving objects, and when excited, might even nip. To prevent any mishaps, consider separating the dog from an over stimulating environment when children are playing. If the dog begins to seem overly excited, don’t hesitate to slow things down or direct the child’s attention elsewhere.
Teaching Children About Dogs
It’s beneficial to educate your child on how to properly interact with the family dog, as well as the importance of not approaching unfamiliar dogs. When encountering a strange dog, encourage your child to observe from a distance and gauge the dog’s willingness to engage before stepping forward. Approaching a dog that seems uninterested or fearful may lead to defensive behavior.
Teach your child to respect the dog, understanding that every dog has his own unique personality and that their behaviors can vary. Positive reinforcement when the dog interacts appropriately with your child can help foster a strong bond between them.
By maintaining vigilance and awareness, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of negative experiences and ensure a safe environment for both your child and your four-legged companion. It’s vital to remember that proactive supervision can prevent harmful incidents, as the mindset of “I know my dog; he would never bite” can lead to devastating consequences.