LIFESTYLE NEWS -  Watching children play with their dogs is a joyful experience. It’s not just fun; it also provides children with a valuable opportunity to learn how to understand and communicate with their furry friends. 

However, ensuring safety is equally important. In this article, local animal behaviourist George van Huyssteen, shares some suggestions to help keep these interactions safe, giving hope and confidence to parents and dog owners.

When it comes to children and unfamiliar dogs, it is crucial to teach children to ask permission from a dog's owner before approaching or interacting with the animal. 

The owner knows the dog best and can determine whether it is safe for a child to pet the dog. They can also provide the child with instructions on how to interact appropriately with the dog, as not all dogs enjoy the hugs and kisses that children often like to give.

If a child runs up to an unfamiliar dog without permission, the dog may feel threatened and, since it is likely on a lead, it won’t be able to run away. This could lead to the dog barking, lunging, or even biting in self-defence. 

This is an essential point to remember, as it highlights the potential risks of such situations and the importance of teaching children to approach dogs with caution and respect.

Keeping your child safe at home  

It's essential to start young when teaching dogs how to interact safely with children. Many people get dogs before having kids, but it is crucial to consider that dogs may encounter children at some point in their lives. 

By introducing dogs to children early on and teaching them that kids are friendly and safe, we can reduce the risk of them feeling the need to bite.

This goes beyond simple exposure; it involves carefully controlled interactions to ensure positive experiences. Start with one well-behaved child at a time, and only increase the number when the dog is comfortable.

If the dog seems cautious or fearful, begin by keeping the child at a distance and gradually allow closer interactions as the dog becomes more relaxed.

When meeting a dog from a shelter, or rescue, or considering a private adoption, it is important to bring your children along to observe how the dog reacts to kids. A genuine interest in interacting with children is a positive sign, while mere tolerance may indicate avoidance. 

If you end up adopting a dog that only tolerates or dislikes children, be prepared for a lifetime of managing the situation by keeping the dog separated when kids are around. 

Changing an adult dog's association with children can be more challenging, as the dog has had more time to solidify the association and practice behaviours like growling or snapping to keep children away.

Whether your dog loves children or not, it is crucial to always supervise interactions between your dog and your child. 

Dog training and behaviour professionals always stress the importance of never leaving dogs and small children alone, even for a moment. 

This means taking your dog with you, even if you are stepping away for a quick bathroom break or to grab a snack. 

Unfortunately, there have been numerous serious child bite cases where the adult left the room ‘just for a minute.’

How to prepare your dog for a baby 

Condition your dog to like babies: Allow your dog as many positive experiences with babies as possible. 

You can use a doll at times, but you should also see how he reacts to a real baby, even from a slight distance, so you have time to help him form a positive association. 

Make sure he has a positive experience each time he sees a baby.

Make changes in routine and location early: Any changes in routine or location, such as sleeping arrangements, should be made well before the baby arrives. Change is stressful and can lead to aggression and negative associations. 

For instance, if your dog currently sleeps in your bedroom but will not be allowed to do so after the baby arrives, it is a good idea to transition her to her new sleeping arrangements well in advance. The same approach applies to walks and outings.

Teach a 'go to bed' behaviour: Train your dog to lie down on cue near baby activities, so they do not feel excluded.

Create a 'safe room' or crate train: Ensure your dog is comfortable when crated or in a ‘safe room’ so they can be calmly removed from activities you are unsure of without feeling anxious.

Introduce the baby’s scent: Bring home baby blankets from the hospital a few days before bringing the baby home to familiarise your dog with the new scent.

Minimise excitement on arrival day: On the day the baby arrives, make sure the dog gets plenty of exercise. Have Mum come in and greet the dog first while the baby stays outside. Then, bring the baby in, allowing the dog to be calm and relaxed when meeting the new family member.

Things to Consider

Teach your children not to disturb dogs while they are eating, sleeping, injured, or caring for puppies. 

It's important to teach your child not to take a toy away from a dog or approach a dog when it is on its bed. 

Additionally, advise them not to approach dogs that are tied up, in cars, or behind fences.

Possible reasons why a dog might bite a child  

• The dog is injured or ill and may have a lower tolerance for things that would not usually bother it.
• The child and dog are engaging in rough play, and the dog gets overly excited.
• The child has hurt or startled the dog by stepping on it or pulling its fur, tail, or ears.
• The dog is protecting a resting place.
• The dog is guarding a possession, such as a toy, food or water dish, or puppies.
• The dog perceives the child as prey when the child is running or screaming, has fallen near the dog, is riding a bicycle, or is moving rapidly past the dog.

This article is not meant to alarm you or prevent your children from experiencing the joy of owning or interacting with a friendly dog. 

It is intended to make you aware of possible situations that could result in a dog bite.

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