“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”. These kids are riding the dog, pulling ears etc and that to some is OK.
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 nobody in the household had been educated to understand dog 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. (See the article “Empathy and Pets” to see how important respect for animals is for children.) 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 any place and by assuring that all children are gentle and friendly to them.
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:-
- Do you ever leave the dog alone in the yard with your own or visiting children?
- Are children allowed to run and scream with the dog present?
- Does your dog have a place of refuge to escape to where children can not get access to him/her?
- Have you taught your children to respect your pets and never to hurt or tease them?
- Have you taught your children not to pull dogs around or try to ride on their backs?.
- Have you taught your dog basic pet manners and socialised them to children at a young age?
- Can you identify and understand your dog’s body language and warning signs?
Fearful dogs can and will bite if the threat continues, regardless of the breed of dog. The chance of a dog bite is increased if the dog is unable to retreat or hide. That is if the dog is cornered or on a chain or a lead when the threat is present.
For children, pets are a valuable source of learning about responsibility and sharing, and that if affection is given it will be returned. It is also now well known that if children learn to respect and love their pets, they will develop into well adjusted adults, with respect for others.
If you are responsible with your children, visiting children and your dog, you will avoid injury and stress and continue to enjoy the great benefits of pet ownership.
