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Dogs and kids, it's a
combination that at it's best can be the stuff of
childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of
heartache and pain and even injury. How can you ensure
that your child and Man's Best Friend have a loving and
safe relationship? Mostly, it's the responsibility of the
adults of the house to teach toddlers and even older
children that a dog is not a toy. It's a living, breathing
creature that feels pain, shame and humiliation as much as
love, pride and happiness. A dog that bites a child may
only be defending itself the only way it knows how. But to
minimize ever having to worry about a parent's worst
nightmare, family animal psychologist, Larry Lachman,
M.S., offers the following advice:
SAFETY PREVENTION TIPS TO
TEACH YOUR CHILD:
- Do NOT reach for a dog's
head the first time they meet a dog nor excessively
rough house around their own dog's head and face.
- Do NOT look a dog
straight in the eyes, which could be seen as a threat
or challenge by the dog.
- Do NOT run up
frantically to a dog, which may react fearfully and
defend itself or jump and bite at the child's face.
- Do NOT scream loudly at
a dog, which could stress a dog or startle it, causing
an aggressive response.
- Do NOT bother the dog
while it is eating or chewing on a chew toy, which
could trigger an aggressive guarding response,
especially if the child is under seven years of age,
where he/she is looked at by the dog as a competing
animal in the pack.
- Do NOT hit, kick, slap,
ride, or tease the dog in any manner.
- Do NOT leave the child
and dog alone until the child is older than 7, and can
control its impulses.
Adults Should Take The
Time...
Following these tips will
minimize conflict and teach your child to respect your dog
and treat her as a member of the family.
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About
The Author
Gene
R. Sower
Lucy The Wonder Dog, LLC
"For The Health & Wellness Of
Your Dog"
http://www.lucythewonderdog.com
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