June 29, 2008
Children and Dogs
Many breed descriptions define their respective members as “good with children”. Parents read this, select the breed based on this attribute and assume that their dog will be “good” with their children.
When things go wrong (examples: dog growls at child when child reaches to take back his/her toy or dog knocks child down steps as s/he charges past, etc.) it can be frustrating for the entire family. The parents might think that they bought the exception to the breed, children may begin to fear the dog or all dogs, and the dog might be forced to spend more time away from his/her family and pack. This frustration too often results in a rescue dog with a reputation for being “bad with children”.
In our own program, we maintain that our dogs are “good with children”… expanded to: “our dogs are good with children who have parents with common sense.”
We only breed dogs that have demonstrated confidence and kindness toward children.
In other words, when we are asked the question, “are your dogs good with children?” we reply with the following list of considerations and advice:
We do not leave our dogs unsupervised with a baby, infant or toddler. EVER. A baby, infant or toddler can be knocked over/down/off by a gentle nudge from a well-intentioned dog.
We do not leave our dogs unsupervised with our children until they can calmly give the dog a command that is obeyed the first time.
We do not ever leave our dogs unattended with other people’s children. EVER. Unfortunately, in this day and age the liability is much too high.
We never leave our dogs and children unsupervised while either or both are eating.
When our baby/child touches an object in the dog’s mouth, the dog must release gently and instantly. This implies that the dog does not see the child as an equal.
When our baby/child goes to sit with the dog, the dog either enjoys the company quietly or rises and lies elsewhere. S/he does not growl or wrinkle a lip. Showing teeth and/or grumbling is a behavior shown to a subordinate. Our baby/child is never a subordinate to a dog.
We discourage our children (when they are old enough to understand of course) to put their faces directly in any dog’s face. This can be seen as a challenge or act of aggression and we do not want our children accidently doing this to a strange dog. (Also, our dogs enjoy horse pooh snacks sometimes, yuck!)
We discourage tug’o’war. When playing this great game little fingers can be pinched and little legs may not have the strength, balance or coordination for this kind of rough play.
Though it is touching to see a dog and child sleeping in a cozy embrace, it is not a good idea to allow this in the child’s own bed.
Shannon Ford of Griffonpoint writes, “Have him sleep away from the family, not in anyone’s “den”. When a dog is allowed to sleep in a bedroom, they equate it as being an equal, not a subordinate.” (We do allow our dogs to sleep on their own beds in our bedroom once they are well past adolescence. Occasionally we even invite them onto the bed for a cuddle, always on our own terms and not in our child’s bed.)
We make sure that our children understand and follow the rules:
No Teasing or Taunting- EVER.
No Chasing (this can lead to negative behaviors on the dog’s part).
The Crate is Off Limits (The crate is the dog’s den. Though he should allow the invasion without question s/he may panic to exit and knock down and/or scratch the child in the process.)
When children (even dog savvy kids) are left alone with dogs they often do things that may or may not be agreeable to dogs such as dress-up, riding in wagons, hiding out in closets or even riding. Sometimes children interact with dogs as if they are siblings and not canines. Children on their own also forget to reinforce commands and make more work for parents as these commands must be re-trained. By this, the dog learns that there are different sets of rules for different members of his/her pack.
If we don’t allow negative behaviors to begin, we don’t have to fix them.
Use common sense.
Think of positive activities for kids to do with dogs such as:
“Hide and Seek”: Tie a string to a smelly hotdog and drag it around a yard/field while the dog is elsewhere. Bring the dog to the start point and watch him track the hotdog.
“Fetch”: Make sure the dog knows to not jump, snatch from or keep the ball from the child.
“Doggie Cookies”: There are many great recipes on the web for healthy dog treats. Find one and let the kids help you make them for the dog.
Etc.