Dogs and Kids: Relationship building and Bite Prevention
The information found here, is designed to help parents learn how to create, and maintain successful dogs/kids (of any age!) households. While there can be exceptions, most problems can be prevented, and overcome.
Way too many family dogs end up losing their homes, and often times their lives because things have not gone well with children in the home. Sadly, the dog is almost always blamed and labeled as "unpredictable", "bit without warning", "dominant", etc.
The truth is, these labels are completely inaccurate, and supremely unfair to the dog. Dogs "talk" to us through body language, not words, and believe it or not, dog bites do not happen "without warning". The articles below will help you understand how the dog gave plenty of warnings...that no one recognized.
Parents must accept responsibility for the health of the relationship between their kid/s and their dog by educating themselves first. The situation calls for your commitment to keep the entire family together and happy, including your canine family member. Respecting your dogs perspective is a must, and will make the difference between success, or failure!
Click here for a printable list of dog/child "rules" to put in place now: http://cochranehumane.org/education/bite_prevention/attachments/11teresas_bad_rules.pdf
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND dogs.
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Bite Prevention: What every parent needs to know
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND the family dog or puppy.
http://www.doggonesafe.com/Dog_bite_prevention_for_parents
http://dogsandbabies.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/do-dogs-bite-out-of-the-blue/
http://dogsandbabies.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/good-dogs-dont-bite/
http://alexadry.hubpages.com/hub/Dog-Behavior-Signs-a-Dog-is-About-to-Bite
Learn to speak dog - prevent bites http://yourdogsfriend.org/life-with-dogs/learn-to-speak-dog-prevent-bites/
This link http://www.doggonesafe.com/Baby_Grows_Up includes videos of exceptionally tolerant dogs being forced to "tolerate" way too much from the kids. This is how bites happen, and it's not the dogs fault. Parents, you must be fair and realistic about what you expect the dog to put up with from the kids.
Is it ok for our dog to lick the baby? Probably not. Click here for more:
http://www.dogsandbabieslearning.com/2011/12/03/should-dogs-lick-babies/
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Dogs and Toddler-aged kids...
It is very common for dogs to become uncomfortable and anxious when babies become toddlers. Their odd movements and advances can cause stress for your dog. This section provides you with everything you need to know to help your dog through it, and keep everyone safe throughout this stage.
Start by tuning in to this excellent, FREE webinar by well-known dogs and babies/kids expert Jennifer Shryock, B.A., CDBC, founder of Family Paws Parent Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73zWAA3YSMo&list=PLsDoHZeiT2t4ev9KTOJgAH0oK2vBOmooD Jennifer is one of the foremost experts on the subject, and is a mother to both kids and dogs herself. This FREE webinar covers everything you need to know!
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND the family dog or puppy.
Your kids showing the dog "love and affection" through hugs and kisses? Don't allow it! Read this link for more: http://yourdogsfriend.org/life-with-dogs/children-dogs/
Hugs are for Humans! Read this article too: Helping Your Kids Be Pet Safe: Hugs Are For Humans! - North State Parent magazine
See this video for kids on how to properly (and safely!) "kiss" a dog! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abuta-EVEt4
How Kids and Pets Should Not Interact It's not too soon! Start teaching your child now.
How Kids and Pets Should Interact
Kids teaching kids how to properly interact with a dog through a song to the tune of "London Bridges"!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Z9RRjiQMA&feature=youtu.be
Unwanted attention and handling e.g., picking up the dog/puppy, carrying him/her around, hugs, kisses, petting and/or snuggling (especially when the dog is resting or sleeping) are all very common reasons that problems between dogs and kids develop. It's important to realize (and to help your kids understand!) that this kind of handling should only be done with their stuffed animals - not the family dog (or puppy!) Here's a great video of children demonstrating how they know whether the dog wants their attention and petting - or not. A must see for parents, with kids of any age! http://familypaws.blogspot.com/2008/06/does-dog-ask-for-more-attention.html
Below are a few links from Family Paws Parent Education, with tips for creating "success stations" for your dog, to use when you're unable to actively supervise:
https://www.familypaws.com/what-is-a-success-station/
https://www.familypaws.com/what-is-a-success-station-2/
https://www.familypaws.com/setting-up-for-success/
Another excellent resource for parents: http://www.doggonesafe.com/Dog_bite_prevention_for_parents
This link http://www.doggonesafe.com/Baby_Grows_Up includes videos of exceptionally tolerant dogs being forced to 'tolerate' way too much from the kids! This is how bites happen, and it's not your dog's fault. Parents, you must be fair and realistic about what you expect the dog to put up with from the kids!
Read The Family Dog and The Curse of the Good Dog to learn more about the dangers of assuming your 'good dog' will always be tolerant!
My dog growled at my child! Now what?! http://www.doggonesafe.com/growling_at_the_kids
Kids taking care of the family's animals (including the family dog!) Read http://www.aspca.org/adopt/adoption-tips/kids-and-pets-interaction-guide for an excellent guide to what's appropriate, and at what age.
At what age should your child take the family dog for a walk? http://doggonesafe.blogspot.com
Advice for parents who have written to us with questions:
Help! Puppy and Toddlers
Mouthing and Nipping on Kids
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Dog bite prevention: Parents, it's on you to actively supervise, supervise, supervise!
The most critical component for creating healthy relationships between a child and the family dog, is for parents to make sure that interactions are appropriate for both child and dog; the dog's experience with a child must be relaxed and happy. Do not assume that your dog "likes" what is happening just because he's not growling, snarling, or snapping.
Active supervision by parents to prevent problems from developing - or continuing - between is required for a successful dogs and kids household! Click this link to read more about the different 'types' of supervision to see if you're really doing the best you can to promote success between your dog and child - often times there's a lot more that parent's can (and should) do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI-wXyGA1rs
This link http://www.doggonesafe.com/Baby_Grows_Up includes videos of exceptionally tolerant dogs being forced to "tolerate" way too much from the kids. This is how bites happen, and it's not the dogs fault. Parents, you must be fair and realistic about what you expect the dog to put up with from the kids.
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND the family dog or puppy.
Click here for a printable list of "rules" to put into place with your kids now: http://cochranehumane.org/education/bite_prevention/attachments/11teresas_bad_rules.pdf
How Kids and Pets Should Not Interact
How Kids and Pets Should Interact
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Dog bite prevention: Teaching your kids how to create and maintain a healthy relationship with their dog:
Teach your children that relationships are always 2-sided, starting with the family dog. Kids need to learn at an early age, how to respect a dogs likes and dislikes, especially when it comes to "showing affection".
Your kids showing the dog "love and affection" through hugs and kisses? Don't allow it! Read this link for more: http://yourdogsfriend.org/life-with-dogs/children-dogs/
Hugs are for Humans! Read this article too: Helping Your Kids Be Pet Safe: Hugs Are For Humans! - North State Parent magazine
How Kids and Pets Should Not Interact
How Kids and Pets Should Interact
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND dogs.
Unwanted attention and handling e.g., picking up the dog/puppy, carrying him/her around, hugs, kisses, petting and/or snuggling (especially when the dog is resting or sleeping) are all very common reasons that problems between dogs and kids develop. It's important to realize (and to help your kids understand!) that this kind of handling should only be done with their stuffed animals - not the family dog! Here's a great video of children demonstrating how they know whether the dog wants their attention and petting - or not. A must see for parents, and kids! http://familypaws.blogspot.com/2008/06/does-dog-ask-for-more-attention.html
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Teaching your kids to have empathy and respect for the dogs likes and dislikes prevents problems from developing, or continuing, and teaching important relationship skills that will last a lifetime.
Kids teaching kids how to properly interact with a dog through a song to the tune of "London Bridges"!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36Z9RRjiQMA&feature=youtu.be
This link shows one of the kids teaching another one how to properly "kiss" a dog!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abuta-EVEt4
This video shows Noah, a 5 year old boy learning to work cooperatively with his parrot Perle, who was biting him when he'd reach for her. Empathy and a positive reinforcement approach transformed their relationship from troubled, to bonded bliss! NOTE: The bird is not being forced to accept Noah's advances. Instead, Noah is teaching Perle to want to come to him. This element is the key to success. The approach you see in the video works the exact same way between dogs and kids. http://www.behavior works.org/ flashplayer/ index.htm? file=http: //www.behaviorwo rks.org/flashvid eos/Noah% 20Dupuis. mp4 This link: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/safe-and-sound/play-the-game/ goes to an interactive on-line game, designed to help kids (and adults!!) learn to safely interact with dogs. Play the game yourself, and supervise your children as they play too! Great opportunities to learn what to do - and what not to do around dogs, that'll keep everyone "Safe and Sound!"
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND dogs.
Unwanted attention and handling e.g., picking up the dog/puppy, carrying him/her around, hugs, kisses, petting and/or snuggling (especially when the dog is resting or sleeping) are all very common reasons that problems between dogs and kids develop. It's important to realize (and to help your kids understand!) that this kind of handling should only be done with their stuffed animals - not the family dog! Here's a great video of children demonstrating how they know whether the dog wants their attention and petting - or not. A must see for parents, and kids! http://familypaws.blogspot.com/2008/06/does-dog-ask-for-more-attention.html
The link below was sent to us by a girl named Catie, who is a member of the Westwood Youth Group. Although a child herself, she believes that kids should know how to stay safe around dogs, so she sent us a link that included the following tutorial for kids (and adults too!) on dog bite prevention and safety from the University of Illinois Extension, called Playing it Safe; http://urbanext.illinois.edu/dogs/playingitsafe.cfm Thanks for sharing Catie!
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Help! I'm already having problems between my dog and my kids:
Already experiencing problems between your dog and your child? There is hope! Problems can be overcome when everyone is working together, and you remember that your dog needs your understanding and help too. The Family Dog
Unwanted attention and handling e.g., picking up the dog/puppy, carrying him/her around, hugs, kisses, petting and/or snuggling (especially when the dog is resting or sleeping) are all very common reasons that problems between dogs and kids develop. It's important to realize (and to help your kids understand!) that this kind of handling should only be done with their stuffed animals - not the family dog! Here's a great video of children demonstrating how they know whether the dog wants their attention and petting - or not. A must see for parents, and kids! http://familypaws.blogspot.com/2008/06/does-dog-ask-for-more-attention.html
This video shows Noah, a 5 year old boy learning to work cooperatively with his parrot Perle, who was biting him when he'd reach for her. Empathy and a positive reinforcement approach transformed their relationship from troubled, to bonded bliss!
NOTE: The bird is not being forced to accept Noah's advances. Instead, Noah is teaching Perle to want to come to him. This element is the key to success. The approach you see in the video works the exact same way between dogs and kids.
http://www.behavior works.org/ flashplayer/ index.htm? file=http: //www.behaviorwo rks.org/flashvid eos/Noah% 20Dupuis. mp4
My dog growled at my child. Now what?! http://www.doggonesafe.com/growling_at_the_kids
Thank Your Dog for Growling
77% of dog bites to kids are from the family dog, or a friends dog! PLEASE, if you have kids click http://stopthe77.com watch the video, and get serious about educating yourself to protect your kid/s, AND dogs.
This link http://www.doggonesafe.com/Baby_Grows_Up includes videos of exceptionally tolerant dogs being forced to "tolerate" way too much from the kids. This is how bites happen, and it's not the dogs fault. Parents, you must be fair and realistic about what you expect the dog to put up with from the kids.
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Kids and Puppies:
Resources for parents with older kid/s (6 years+) and a puppy (the advice is the same with older dogs too!) This section provides help for creating and managing healthy interaction, including appropriate game ideas, and training your kids can do with their puppy/dog under your supervision! *For tips about puppies and younger kids, visit the dogs/toddlers section:
Mouthing and Nipping on Kids
For Kids Only! A must see for your children! They'll learn a lot from the kids in the video about how to successfully (and properly!) interact with their new pup, or dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=26&v=MYDW2KV_TzE
Click here for a printable list of "rules" to put into place now to promote peace, and prevent problems:
https://doggonesafe.com/To-Do-&-Not-To-Do
Unwanted attention and handling e.g., picking up the dog/puppy, carrying him/her around, hugs, kisses, petting and/or snuggling (especially when the dog is resting or sleeping) are all very common reasons that problems between dogs and kids develop. It's important to realize (and to help your kids understand!) that this kind of handling should only be done with their stuffed animals - not the family dog! Here's a great video of children demonstrating how they know whether the dog wants their attention and petting - or not. A must see for parents, and kids! http://familypaws.blogspot.com/2008/06/does-dog-ask-for-more-attention.html
Appropriate games, activities and training basics for kids:
The following link takes you to a FREE podcast with dogs and kids expert and author, Coleen Pelar. It's chock full of great suggestions for fun games kids and dogs can play together!: https://www.yourfamilydogpodcast.com/episode12/
Kids and Dogs: Making it Click! https://clickertraining.com/node/2862
Kids and Clicker Training: http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/2002c/kids.htm
http://doggonecrazy.ca/kids-and-dogs/
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Books and Resources:
PLEASE, if you have kids, click http://stopthe77.com for excellent resources for parents AND kids.
Doggonesafe.org - a site dedicated to dog bite prevention:http://doggonesafe.com/Dog_bite_prevention_for_parents
This link: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/safe-and-sound/play-the-game/ goes to an interactive game, designed to help kids (and adults!!) learn to safely interact with dogs. Play the game yourself, and supervise your children as they play too! Great oppotunities to learn what to do - and what not to do around dogs, that'll keep everyone "Safe and Sound!"
The link below was sent to us by a girl named Catie, who is a member of the Westwood Youth Group. Although a child herself, she believes that kids should know how to stay safe around dogs, so she sent us a link that included the following tutorial for kids (and adults too!) on dog bite prevention and safety from the University of Illinois Extension, called Playing it Safe;http://urbanext.illinois.edu/dogs/playingitsafe.cfm Thanks for sharing Catie!
Raising Puppies & Kids Together: A Guide for Parents
This link takes you to a great book on the subject of puppies and kids. It's a must have for any family with kids and a new puppy!
And finally, warning signs that your child's behavior is dangerous to pets: