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Dog & Kids
The company of a dog can work wonders for a child's emotional and physical growth. But children - especially those under ten - are most at risk of dog bites.
Not every dog is right for a child and not every child is right for a dog. Large, highly energetic, aggressive dogs that can knock children over are not good choices for children.
The relationship between dogs and kids:
Understanding dog behaviour vis-à-vis children, involves understanding the importance of dominance and submission in a dog’s psyche. As per a dog, the family is a pack unit and everyone in the family has a certain ‘position.’ Almost all dogs consider children equal or lower in the pack hierarchy than they are. It may refuse to obey the child's commands, knock her down, growl at the child or even bite if the child tries to play with the dog. If such is the case, seek professional help from your veterinarian.
Certain do’s if kids are in the house:
- Train and socialize your dog properly.
- Children should learn to leave the dog alone when he is eating. They should also not bother the dog when it is in it’s private resting place.
- Include children in your dog-grooming programme. The dog learns to respect the children since they are involved in the training process and are also in charge of a major resource. his food. The dog learns how to behave around children as well as how to take food gently.
- Children should be taught how to behave around dogs, even if they do not own one. A child should never approach or pat a strange dog without asking the owner.
- Certain dogs don’t like being stared at or high-pitched screams, all of which are typical of small children. Children must change their behaviour if this is the case.
- Train children to behave gently with dogs. Always supervise dogs and children when they are together.
Certain don’ts to be followed:
- If parents do not have the time to train the dog, then its better not to bring home one to avoid future accidents with children.
- A dog should sleep on his own bed and not with children, as it may lead to behavioural and medical problems.
- Children should not grab their dog’s food, bones or toys.
- They should not tease them by pulling their ears and tails.
- Never leave your child alone with any dog, no matter how well trained or harmless he may seem.
Dogs can help teach a child responsibility, patience, and compassion, but remember, no child is capable of completely caring for a dog, so the parent must take full responsibility for the pet.
Health aspects for parents of children if a dog is around in the house:
- Dogs should be vaccinated for rabies and other diseases. Children can get infected with roundworms or hookworms from dog faeces, so make sure your child, puppy and adult dog are de-wormed on a regular basis.
- Make sure your children always wash their hands after playing with a dog. If your child is prone to allergies, keep the dog out of the children’s sleeping area.
The relationship between a child and her dog is amazing. Follow common sense precautions, choose the right dog at the right time for your child and devote time without fail to both.