Parents, please teach your children about the Do Not Disturb sign above dogs that are sleeping and/or contained. Dogs that are sleeping can startle if touched and should be allowed to sleep in peace. Contained dogs (like a dog in a crate, behind a gate, on a tether, or other enclosed space) have no means of escape from hands encroaching on their space and may feel a need to react with a growl or worse to get someone to back off. This is one important way you can help to prevent dog bites.
A parenting tip to help keep your baby AND your family dog safe, and encourage more positive associations.
This is the story of one family, and how I taught them to use a success station as a management tool for creating safety between their toddler and their family dogs. In this case, their success stations was using dog gates when needed. It is one of numerous strategies we are putting into place to lower stress, increase quality of life, and strengthen relationships. In their example, I share why it is important to teach your dog a positive association with management.
Contact :
Lisa Desatnik
CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM, CPBC
