Dogs and Children

In the clear majority of cases dogs and children co-exist happily together. We are however two different species and parents must educate their children on how to behave with a dog.

Sadly, we hear too many stories of dogs attacking children. People then react AFTER the event and usually the answer is to blame the dog.

It is understandable that after any dog attack people react in this way however blaming the dog is not the answer. The answer MUST lie in education.

Dogs are pack animals with an inner wolf mindset, they are NOT little humans. In a pack environment dogs are taught about hierarchy, and respect for boundaries from a very young age. If you see the interaction of young puppies in their formative first weeks with their mother and siblings, you will see this.

When we bring dogs into our families because we are NOT pack animals we blur the discipline which the dog expects. Dogs NEED rules and boundaries and If they aren’t given these then many dogs make their own. Some temperaments of dog e.g the nervous or fearful need this leadership more than others.

Much though we love our own or dogs it’s important to realise they do see life differently to us. Dogs see young children in the same way as they see a puppy. While many dogs are very tolerant of children as they are with puppies it’s not the case with all dogs. It makes sense to EDUCATE our children in some basic safety rules.

Adult Rules with a view to helping dogs and children co-exist

• NEVER leave a dog alone with a child or baby
• Children (under 12 years of age) should not be allowed to walk a dog without adult supervision
• Never allow a young child (under 10 years) to feed a dog unsupervised. (Some dogs can be very protective over food and a small child can easily be seen as a threat to the dogs food supply. This is particularly relevant when the dog is under 2 years of age and or a rescue dog that MAY have been hungry in the past.)
• Do not allow your child to pull on the dog’s collar to lead it outside –It could snap or bite them
• Never allow a child to discipline or correct a dog’s behaviour
• When visiting friends or family who have a dog Do not allow your child to play in the garden with the dog unsupervised. (Young children can unwittingly play far too rough with a dog. SOME dogs cannot take being poked or their tail or ears being pulled so it’s wise to supervise at all times)

Children’s Rules with a view to helping dogs and children co-exist

• Never pat a strange dog even if it’s owner is present
• Never go up to a dog that is sleeping or eating (allow it some space)
• Stay away from a dog that is tied up outside a shop etc.
• Never ever pull a dogs tail or ears Dogs feel pain as well as us!
• If a dog runs at you barking stand completely still and put your hands in your pocket
• Stay away from a dog that has puppies