Shocking? It shouldn’t be when you consider the impossible situation many dog parents throw their pets and their children into.
One of the saddest things about not preparing dogs and kids to peacefully coexist is that it’s the dog that ends up paying the price (sometimes with his life) – all because neither he nor the child was taught how to respect the other.
This sad situation can be avoided if the adults take the time to prepare both the dogs and kids to live together.
Consider the following:
Train your Child
When it comes to dogs and kids, too many parents think it is the dog’s responsibility to adjust. This is unrealistic, unfair and completely ignores the dog’s position as a living creature with feelings.
Children need to be properly trained as to how to behave around dogs (and all animals) or they should not be given the privilege of being near them. Children need to be taught that dogs are not toys for them to do with as they please – they are living, feeling beings.
Dogs find many things about children frightening and even threatening. Children are often loud and their movements are quick, sharp and unpredictable, all of which can scare or threaten a dog. Even the act of staring at the dog, which children often do, can be interpreted as a threat. When bringing dogs and kids together it’s important to understand that dogs act out of instinct, not rationalization.
Socialize Your Dog to Children
If your dog is a puppy, then start getting him used to interacting with kids right away. But even if he’s older, it’s never too late to start. If you don’t have kids, you could “borrow” a friend’s (with the parent present, of course) to introduce your dog to the concept of being around children. You can also bring your dog to a park where there are a lot of young kids playing.
It’s also very important that your dog has knowledge of basic commands and has participated in some form of humane obedience training (the word “humane” is imperative here). Making sure your dog responds to basic commands could end up preventing a tragic situation.
If you already have a dog and plan to add a baby to the mix, the best time to start getting your dog used to the idea of children is now. The sooner you begin acclimating him, the gentler and smoother the transition will be.
If you ever feel that your dog is acting aggressively, seek the advice of a professional who practices a gentle, humane approach to dog training. Don’t try to handle the situation on your own.
Provide a “Safe Haven” for your Dog
Providing your dog with a crate that will serve as his own private haven, where he can feel safe, secure and not bothered, will go a long way toward creating a harmonious home life with dogs and kids. Make sure, of course, that the kids know that this space is the dog’s, and it is totally of limits to them.
Understand that a Dog’s Mind does not Work Like a Human’s
Dogs react out of instinct, not rationalization. People often think that a dog has bitten “for no reason” or "without warning". What they don’t understand is that the dog has a perfectly good reason in his own mind -- it’s just not one that we understand. For example, a child might hug and squeeze a dog because the child enjoys it, and the parent thinks that’s just the cutest thing in the world. There’s only one party to this scenario that is miserable – the dog. From his perspective, the child is invading his invisible safety zone, setting off an instinctive “fight or flight” reaction. The dog might even warn the child to “back off”, perhaps by growling or walking away. However, if the child persists then the dog, feeling threatened, will bite. He is not being a “mean” dog. This is simply his protective instinct acting.
Recognize that it’s your Job to Supervise
You cannot expect a dog, no matter what breed or how gentle, to be the tolerant “big brother or sister” to an overbearing child. You also cannot expect the child to possess the ability to interpret a dog’s warning signs or to know when they are crossing the line into a dog’s private space. As the adult, it is your job to closely supervise the interactions of the dog and the child and to watch for any signs of possible trouble.
Don’t let your dog become one more statistic – one more once-loved canine companion that ends up at a shelter because of a situation that could have been prevented. Dogs and kids can live happily together. It’s really up to you.
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