Whether you are a parent or not, at some point, your dog is going to be around children. Dogs get rehomed every year in large numbers and one of the large contributing factors is kids. Young couples get a dog together and it isn’t until years later, when they decide to have a child, that mistakes in early training become clear. Many dogs get rehomed in the first few years of a child’s life, not because the parents don’t love their dog, but because the dog poses a safety risk to the child. It’s not just the new parents rehoming dogs. New grandparents find that their children won’t bring their grandbabies to the house for fear of the dog that lives in the home. Neighbor’s and friend’s homes suddenly become terrifying to new parents when they realize the enthusiastic jumping of the dog might knock over or seriously injure their child. This leads to rehoming of pets and strained relationships between people.
So let me say it again for people in the back: Whether you are a parent or not, at SOME POINT your dog is going to be around children. It is virtually unavoidable. What is avoidable, however, are injuries, lawsuits, and family feuds that can be a result of your dog’s behavior.
It is a misconception that known dogs are safe dogs. The statistics tell us that nearly all children bit by a dog were bit by a known dog: owned by their own family, close relatives or friends or neighbors. These were not strange dogs who ran up to them off leash while trolling the neighborhood. Furthermore, many dog bites occur WHILE AN ADULT IS SUPERVISING.
What does that tell us? It tells us that most adults don’t know how to tell if their dog is uncomfortable. Or, they disregard those signs because they have been lulled into a false sense of security, ex: “Kids hug my dog all the time, but my dog would never bite.”
With every dog, the responsibility of the owner is to prepare the dog for a life living with humans. That includes humans of all ages. It means preparing them with the skills they will need to coexist with children. Things like learning to relax calmly when humans are sitting on the floor (diaper changes, tummy time, etc.) or learning not to jump (both when the humans will be a carrying a delicate newborn baby to dealing with toddlers and young children running around the house) or learning to go to a mat to lie down (great for sending the dog to safe distance should the child or dog need more space).
For new parents-to-be, learning dog safety is imperative even if they themselves don’t have a dog! As I mentioned before, most people simply don’t know how to read dogs, so expecting that the dog’s owner is going to keep your child safe is a mistake.
Fortunately, there are FABULOUS programs, like Dogs and Storks, out there and certified trainers who can assist parents-to-be and every dog owner in their lives prepare for dog and child interactions. Among our team, we have a Family Paws Certified Instructor who can provide private lessons and phone consultations as well as Dogs and Storks seminars to help families prepare. There are also some amazing websites with free information and I have listed a few of my favorites below. Even if you don’t currently have a child in your dog’s life, ANY dog owner can benefit from meeting with or attending a seminar from, a Family Paws Certified Instructor.
Remember, as a dog owner, you are responsible for preparing your dog for what lies ahead EVEN IF YOU AREN’T THE ONE WITH KIDS! It is always better to overprepare than be unprepared. You never know what your future may hold.
To see our upcoming Dogs and Stork Seminar dates, visit our page HERE.
Happy Training
Nicole L Yuhas CPDT-KA
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This blog is intended to be informative as well as entertaining. It contains my opinion which may not reflect the opinions of any organization I may be affiliated with. My opinions should not be interpreted as those of my coworkers, family, friends, casual acquaintances, and certainly not the opinion of my cat, although my dog probably agrees with everything I say, if for no other reason, than because I provide the treats and meals (cats are less inclined to agree with anyone but themselves). Information provided here is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge but, as information and opinions change, neither the facts nor the opinions expressed here may be true or accurate at any future date. As I don’t currently own a time machine, I cannot be responsible for things that prove to be untrue, or opinions I change my mind about, should those changes become apparent in the future. It should also be noted that, as I am human, there may be omissions, errors or mistakes in the information provided here. Frankly, even if I were a computer, it is likely there would be errors, as computers, in my experience, can be a royal pain in the butt. This blog may contain affiliate links which you are under no obligation to click. If you click them, they will hopefully take you the place I intended. But they may not. As I’ve said, computers can be a pain. If you find yourself somewhere you don’t think I intended, click your ruby slippers three times together and say, “there is no place like home.” If you do that, and click the “back” button, you should be safely returned. Computers can, at times, have a mind of their own. Any training suggestions or opinions expressed here should be taken as information only and should not be seen as advice particular to you or your dog’s unique situation. Please consult with a training professional before taking any action.