Parents, it is important that you remember, you are ALWAYS modeling behavior for your child to learn. The way that your child sees you behaving around others is very likely to be repeated. When you do things to or around your dog (or other non-human animal), your son or daughter may end up doing that too. To help your child be someone who your dog will want to spend time around, model and teach your child instead what he/she can do that will give your dog reason to feel comfortable, safe and happy. (Please keep reading to learn how you can see that your dog is or is not feeling that way.)
Managing Your Dog’s Arousal Around Kids
Parents, just a reminder, we know that many little kids like to run around, jump and yell. However, puppies (and a lot of dogs too) get amped up too just by being around that kind of activity. That can lead to your dog running, jumping, pouncing, nipping or biting, grabbing clothes or grabbing anything. It can lead to more jumping and yelling and pushing from your child. Ultimately it can lead to clothes being torn, furnishings being damaged or worse of all – someone getting hurt. Dogs and puppies that are over aroused can bite, and bite hard.
Safety Tips If Approached By An Off Leash Dog
A few weeks ago I was going for a walk. Suddenly a large dog came charging across the street and when it got close, it barked then moved away, came closer, barked and then moved away. Had I continued to walk, run away, flailed my arms, or moved toward it, the situation may very well have ended differently. I immediately stood still, slightly sideways to it and called to its owner across the street. She did come and get her dog fairly quickly but I hear about instances of off leash dog ‘attacks’ that resulted in injury, bites, severe fear or worse. It has prompted me to write about the topic.
Your Dog Says, “No Head Locks Please”
Parents…I wanted to share another reminder that Dog Super Heroes avoid head locks and big bear hugs as that can make a dog feel very uncomfortable – and past experiences build future associations. Instead of a head lock, your child can sit beside or in front of your dog, careful not to loom over your dog. If your dog disengages, turns or moves away, and has tense body muscles teach your child to give your dog some space. Your dog will thank you, and that helps foster positive relationships.
Supervising Kids With Dogs Is Not Enough
There is so much written out there about the benefits to kids of having a dog. And, for the majority of families who are reading this, you know this first hand. I know I do. Growing up, I had a very special relationship with our poodle.
As a trainer, however, I also now see situations where family dogs back away from kids or do not come when kids