Kids and dogs living happily together is one of the sweetest sights to see, but there are a few things to remember when letting your child interact with the family dog – or any dog – safely.
First, supervision is vital. Dogs have a tolerance level just like we do, and kids don't always recognize when they are pushing a dog too much or making them uncomfortable. Some dogs have a very high tolerance level; others do not.
It is your job as a parent, and as a dog owner, to supervise your dog and child. Never leave them unattended together. If you have to leave the room, have your dog follow you, or put him in his crate or a safe, gated-off room.
Although it seems tedious at first, it will soon become habit to you, your dog and your child.
Educate yourself and your kids on dog body language and signs that your dog may be uncomfortable. A great resource is doggonesafe.com, which has pictures you can download to show your kids. You can even put the photos on the fridge as a reminder. Talk to your kids about why it is important to know these signs in all dogs.
You might ask your local dog trainer to visit the house for a mini class with the kids. The more you know what to look for, the more you can prevent circumstances that could end badly.
Teach your kids to play safe when they do interact with dogs. Show them fun games like fetch, or hide and seek.
Knowing your dog's limits is also crucial. If you start seeing signals that your dog may be uncomfortable, you must take action and intervene. The more a dog realizes that his signals are not being heard, the more likely it is he will move to other signals, like growling, snapping or biting. He is doing his job by trying to communicate, and you must do yours and listen.
Kids who are very young don't always understand. You may need to remove your dog from the situation, making him happier and more confident that you have everything under control.
Finally, get help when you need it. If you are concerned about your dog's behavior around your child, don't wait until there is an incident before contacting a professional. There are many steps you can take to help increase your dog's tolerance with kids. It is imperative you start before your dog crosses a line.
Talk with your vet or consult a qualified trainer to get tips, resources and help. When your dog and child live happily together with mutual respect, you are creating a memories that will last a lifetime.
Helen is a certified dog trainer and the owner of No Monkey Business Dog Training in Concord.
