“GOOD WITH CHILDREN”


People often tell me their dog is “good with children” and when the details are given, it is more a case of “the dog is abused by children”.

Only through education can we hope to change this perception that a dog has to be able to be abused to be considered good.

Some of these ‘abused’ dogs are eventually ‘put down’ because they “attacked without warning”. Maybe they couldn’t take the pain of sand in the ear, poking in the eye, tail pulling, being ridden like a horse, or simply being dragged around on a rope or lead anymore. Maybe the ulcerated ear or arthritic bones couldn’t take it any more. Maybe the warning had been given many times, but no body in the household had been educated to understand dog language or body language.
Maybe nobody cared.

The combining of children and dogs can be a recipe for disaster, if both are not educated. Children should be taught to respect dogs and shown how to behave around them whilst dogs should be taught basic manners and commands. Children should be taught never to approach a strange dog, and to always act in a calm manner in any dog’s presence, whilst dog owners should protect their dogs by never leaving them tied up and vulnerable in a public place.

Have a look at the situation in your home today regarding your children and the dog/s and see how you rate with the questionnaire below:-

A. Do you ever leave the dog alone in the yard with yours or visiting children?
B. Are children allowed to run and scream with the dog present?
C. Does your dog have a place of refuge to escape to where children can’t get access to him/her?
D. Have you taught your children to respect your pets and never to hurt or tease them?
E. Have you taught your dog basic pet manners?
F. Can you identify and understand your dog’s body language and warning signs?

If you are responsible with both your children, visiting children and your dog, you can avoid injury and stress and continue to enjoy the great benefits of pet ownership.

Carmel Hodgins
Smart Paws Dog Training
07-4121 6041