Your children and your dog
Retour
Retour
Your children and your dog
chapo:
Numerous studies have shown the positive physical, psychological and social benefits that result when children have dogs. However, your child will need to learn how to behave to avoid risky situations.
Until your child reaches school-age, he thinks of most animals as soft toys. To ensure your child's safety and that he fully enjoys the experience, you should teach him to respect the animal and to not do certain things with your dog and other dogs. You should never leave your child alone with your dog.
Numerous studies have shown the positive physical, psychological and social benefits that result when children have dogs. However, your child will need to learn how to behave to avoid risky situations.
Until your child reaches school-age, he thinks of most animals as soft toys. To ensure your child's safety and that he fully enjoys the experience, you should teach him to respect the animal and to not do certain things with your dog and other dogs. You should never leave your child alone with your dog.
Things to teach your child at home
- To not bother your dog while he's eating or sleeping.
- To give your dog space while he's eating. Remember to put away your dog's food dish when he has finished, even if he didn't eat all the food.
- To not feed the dog scraps from the table.
- To not squeeze too tight when petting him, to not climb on him or lay under him, to not pull his tail, ears, or collar.
- To recognise when your dog is afraid, for example when he growls or hides under a table.
- To not wake up your dog or go get him when he's in his doghouse or basket. This is his space. Explain to your child that sometimes dogs also need to rest. Your child can call him to come play, but without yelling. If your dog does not respond, your child shouldn't insist.
- To not play in your dog's basket.
- To not stare directly in the dog's eyes, to not leave his hand on your dog's head too long, to not catch him from behind. These affectionate gestures from your child can be interpreted as threats by your dog.
- To never take your dog for a walk alone.
- If your child has friends over, remind all the children how to behave and pay extra attention.
Things to teach your child with other dogs
- To not approach or pet an unknown or tied-up dog, even if it seems nice or is small. You can ask its owner if it's safe for your child to approach the dog.
- To never run, yell, or make hand gestures when an unknown dog approaches and remain calm if the animal gets excited. Dogs have a natural tendency to follow someone who is running. Most often, it's a game, but it can be dangerous for a young child.
Numerous studies have shown the positive physical, psychological and social benefits that result when children have dogs. However, your child will need to learn how to behave to avoid risky situations.
Until your child reaches school-age, he thinks of most animals as soft toys. To ensure your child's safety and that he fully enjoys the experience, you should teach him to respect the animal and to not do certain things with your dog and other dogs. You should never leave your child alone with your dog.
