I had a first appointment the other day with a family that includes two young girls (ages 6 and 10) and a new puppy. Whenever I work with families like this one, part of helping them get off to the right start is about teaching the parents how to supervise and manage their kids and their puppy, how to teach their puppy appropriate behaviors, and how to teach their kids to be positive dog teachers and friends. [Read more…] about Train Your Child As You Train Your Dog
dog bite prevention tip
Do Not Disturb
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. [Read more…] about Do Not Disturb
No Wild And Crazy Around Dogs
Parents, please do your part to help your child and your dog’s relationship to succeed. Teach your children that the place to be wild and crazy is away from your dog (and unknown dogs). If your dog (or a loose or leashed unknown dog) becomes overly aroused, movement will keep that arousal curve moving forward. Kids should be taught how to stand still and be a tree with their hands under their armpits to lower the dog’s arousal. [Read more…] about No Wild And Crazy Around Dogs
Impact of Good Moments
Parents, please remember. Past experience is how animals learn. Every interaction between your child and your dog teaches your dog whether or not to feel good about being near your child. Dogs may tolerate bear hugs but they do not enjoy them. This dog’s open mouth, relaxed body muscles, and posture (close to the child and not leaning away) shows us he is feeling good about this moment. To strengthen your child’s relationship with your dog, look to create lots of GOOD moments between your dog and your child. [Read more…] about Impact of Good Moments
A Dog Bite Prevention Tip For Parents
This picture makes me very uncomfortable. Parents, it is so important that you help your dog to learn positive associations with your kids and little hands. A couple ideas for doing that – teach your child to wait for your dog to come to your child, how to pet your dog and when to stop, and to give your dog treats either by placing treats on the floor or in an open palm. Kids should never pull a dog or puppy by his collar. Think bite prevention and relationship strengthening. [Read more…] about A Dog Bite Prevention Tip For Parents