Pet Tips
Pointers for Keeping Peace in a Family with
Children and Dogs
Many dogs end up at the pound or on the streets
each year due to behavior problems. One of the main problem are children
and dogs. Many parents do not understand the way the dog sees things.
Parents also expect the dog to tolerate anything the kids dish out.
There is always a reason why a dog injures a child. Most of these reasons
can be avoided. We must remember that when we bring a puppy into our
lives, he/she sees everyone in the family as a funny-looking upright
dog. You are a member of the dog's pack. Children 9 years old and under
are litter mates to a new pup. So you will see the pup treat the kids
as if they were puppies. Therefore, the nipping, tugging, and chewing
are the same things you will see pups do to each other. Below are some
tips to help prevent some typical problems families encounter while
trying to survive puppyhood.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS S.A.F.E.
SUPERVISE — Keep them in sight!
The majority of incidents have the common factor that no one was watching.
Separate dog and child if supervision is impossible.
ANTICIPATE — Do not expect your
dog to tolerate something you wouldn't. Your dog has only a few ways
to avoid problems. He can move away, go under the bed, or jump up on
the sofa. When this doesn't work, he has no other means to withdraw
from the situation other than bark, growl or nip. If you witness this
behavior, stop the child!
FOLLOW THROUGH — If you say it,
mean it. Never give the dog a command unless you are able to enforce
it. If you tell your child to stop bothering the dog, enforce that,
too.
EDUCATE — This means the dog and
the child. Teach the child by word and by example. Do not allow hitting,
teasing and harassment. Teach your dog by practice and patience that
people (especially children) make mistakes, and how to behave when those
mistakes happen.
WAYS TO PREVENT AGGRESSION
-
Spay or neuter your dog at 6 months old.
(your dog is 3 times likely to bite if you haven't spayed or neutered)
-
Socialize your dog early and train as young
as possible.
-
Have your dog meet nice children as often
as possible.
-
Supervise children and dogs always. This
is especially true for children 9 years old and younger.
-
Never hit your dog. Remember he thinks you
are a dog and another dog wouldn't hit or swat another dog, it will
put him on the defense.
-
When he is behaving himself/herself, let
it be known, praise warmly.
-
Never play rough or aggressively with your
dog. NO tug-o-war games.
-
Have your dog respond to a command before
doing anything for him. For example, have him SIT for a treat or
DOWN for his meal.
-
Forgotten in the back yard or tied to a
tree is NO place to be. Make him/her a part of the famil
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