Dogs And Small Children : Advice And Education
When it comes to small children and dogs you should always be cautious. We try to teach our kids about talking to strangers – you should also talk to them about petting and playing with unfamiliar dogs. Although most dogs you come across are friendly; there are some who would rather be left alone. You should take the time to talk to your children about what to do and how to approach a new dog.
Sometimes dogs are put in a situation where they feel frightened or scared. This could lead to them snapping at a child. Another thing to remember is that you should always ask permission before touching an unfamiliar dog. Sometimes even if you ask the owner, they are not necessarily going to tell you if it can be sometimes snappish. So even if they say their dog doesn’t bite, still be cautious.
You should teach your child to be aware of the dog’s body language and the surroundings you are in. If you are in a crowded noisy area and there are many children wanting to pet the dog all at once, the dog may be afraid or excited by all the attention.
You should always pay close attention to the dog and look for signs that they want to interact with you. Some of these signs are tail wagging, attentiveness and an open mouth as if they are “smiling” at you. If the dog is showing fear you should be careful. Some signs that a dog may be afraid are: if their tail is tucked in, if they turn their head away or are licking their lips, or if they have a closed mouth and are hiding behind their handler: these can all be signs of fear. If they are cowering, growling or shaking it may not be the best time for your child to pet the dog.
When Baby Makes Four
There is always an adjustment period when you have a new baby. If you already have a dog in the family there will be extra planning and preparation involved. Many dog owners who do not yet have children have doted on their pet and their dog thinks they are the “baby” of the household.
Planning ahead and thinking about how your dog may react can help minimise the adjustment period. It is wise to make sure that your dog will understand and obey you before the baby arrives. It is a good idea if your dog has completed at least basic obedience training and will follow simple commands such as “sit” and “stay.”
Getting your dog ready for all changes that will happen after the baby arrives can be done by getting them used to infants and small children. You can gradually introduce your dog to babies and small children by having family and friends with children visit.
It is also important that they get used to not getting as much attention as before. You may want to gradually decrease the time you spend interacting with your dog months before the baby arrives. This way the dog doesn’t associate less attention with having the baby in the house. If you plan ahead the transition period will be less stressful for everyone.
If you have health concerns or questions about your dog interacting with a new baby you should consult your vet. Another thing to keep in mind is that the costs of medical treatments for your dog are high and still increasing. Your smart move is to buy pet insurance. This will give you piece of mind and the ability to take care of your pet in case of a medical emergency or injury.
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