Children and Dogs
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Although very few of our adopted dogs are returned to us, 9 out of 10 dogs are returned because of preventable incidences with children that occur 3-5 years post adoption. Most, if not all the dogs were found to be extremely tolerant prior to their adoption. So what went wrong? Short answer is, lots of little things over time....
Good news is, there are ways to prevent this heartbreak. We are eager to expand the knowledge of all dog families to learn the signals and communication of dogs and help parents foster appropriate interaction between children and dogs. We gladly invite you on our journey to help all dog lovers understand & interpret the simple ways dogs communicate with us, how we can best communicate to them, clarify basic rules of canine etiquette and how to keep all our children & dogs safe while deepening the bond between dog & human! Its lots of FUN! |
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Life is always changing and we live in a time now where there seems to be precious little opportunity to be fully present and aware of what is happening in the moment. Dogs don't know any other way to live. Many of the shifts of energy and subtle nuances of communication that we all feel and read are more and more slipping away from us.
We here at LOVE DOGS have had the opportunity to learn a GREAT deal about dogs, their language and how ours impacts them and their behavior. It is our mission to share all we have learned so that every human can be their dogs best friend as much as we expect and wish dogs to be mans best friend. Important bottom line.. ALL dogs at certain points in certain situations require space and options. If they are asking for distance and aren't being heard teaching kids to provide and allow for dogs to have a way out a situation will save EVERYONE much trouble and avoid unfortunate outcomes!
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< Moments before this photo was taken both dogs elected to meet on the little boys lap. All three are very good friends! Just after photo was taken the little boy opened his arms providing an option for space..
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Here are a few of our favorite resources. We encourage you, especially if you are expecting or have children in your life, to read up on children and dogs to best set your entire family up for success.
Visit our Resources Page for More!!
Visit our Resources Page for More!!
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Dog Bite Prevention Information for Parents
What Can Parents Do to Prevent Dog Bites? Parents should supervise all interactions between children and dogs. A child should not be left alone with a dog unless that child has demonstrated competent dog handling skills and the dog respects the child. Parents can educate their children about how to behave around dogs and how to recognize a bite risk situation. If a bite occurs the child should be reassured that she/he is not at fault. The fault lies with the owner or adult handler of the dog. If a bite occurs the child should be seen by a doctor no matter how minor the injury may seem. In the case of a severe attack, trauma counseling should be sought for the child. The bite should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Parents should teach children the following (these apply to their own dog, other dogs that they know and strange dogs):
If you, as a parent, decide that you think it is safe for your child to approach a particular dog - teach your child the ABC approach:
A: Ask your parent and the dog handler before you pet a dog.
B: Be relaxed and non-invasive. Allow the dog to come up and smell you! That's how dogs greet people, with their noses!
C: Coochie coo on the side of or under the neck to pet the dog. Bending over or petting the dog overhead is not a gesture many dogs appreciate.
What Can Parents Do to Prevent Dog Bites? Parents should supervise all interactions between children and dogs. A child should not be left alone with a dog unless that child has demonstrated competent dog handling skills and the dog respects the child. Parents can educate their children about how to behave around dogs and how to recognize a bite risk situation. If a bite occurs the child should be reassured that she/he is not at fault. The fault lies with the owner or adult handler of the dog. If a bite occurs the child should be seen by a doctor no matter how minor the injury may seem. In the case of a severe attack, trauma counseling should be sought for the child. The bite should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Parents should teach children the following (these apply to their own dog, other dogs that they know and strange dogs):
- Dogs do not like hugs and kisses. This is a major cause of facial bites to children. Read an article from a research study that supports this contention.
- Do not to approach dogs that are not their own, even if the dog is on leash with its handler.
- Ensure that when a child visits a house with a dog, that the dog will not be unsupervised with the children.
- Teach your child to "be a tree" when confronted with an unknown, overly friendly or hostile dog. Stop. Fold your branches (hands) and watch your roots grow (look at feet) and count in your head until the dog goes away or help comes.
- Teach your child to "be a rock" if the dog actually jumps on them and knocks them down (curl up and protect face and neck with hands and arms).
- Never stare at a dog in the eyes or put their faces up to a dog's face.
- Never try to take something away from a dog.
- Never go near a dog who is eating or drinking or chewing on something.
- Never approach a dog that is on a bed or furniture.
- Never approach a dog that is tied up or in a vehicle.
- Never try to pet a dog through a fence or in a crate.
- Never climb over a fence into a dog's yard, even if the dog is usually friendly.
- Leave dogs alone that are sleeping, resting, injured, very old or with puppies.
If you, as a parent, decide that you think it is safe for your child to approach a particular dog - teach your child the ABC approach:
A: Ask your parent and the dog handler before you pet a dog.
B: Be relaxed and non-invasive. Allow the dog to come up and smell you! That's how dogs greet people, with their noses!
C: Coochie coo on the side of or under the neck to pet the dog. Bending over or petting the dog overhead is not a gesture many dogs appreciate.
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Gracie was a shy dog making it is especially important that she be able to meet people on her own terms. As tempting as it must be to want to reach out and love on Gracie for coming to visit, Claire restrains herself and permits Gracie to set the tone. This is a beautiful example of shared respect. The young handler is very attuned to her new friend, placing more importance on the budding relationship she wishes to share with Gracie than her own impulses to lay some love on the curious dog! Gracie feels her welcoming gentleness and enjoys the greeting/getting to know you ritual. This is ideal.. what begins with mindful respect paves the way for an enduring connection on a solid foundation of trust!
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The child is gentle, soft calm.. she isnt invading the dogs space as much as is common..BUT to those of us familiar with canine body language this dog is clearly very uncomfortable with the closeness. Her body is tense and is pulling back, her mouth is closed tight.. her ears pinned. The dog is tolerating this girls closeness. It would be an instantly better moment if the child did not lean toward the dog but stayed at a distance with her shoulders back and chin up permitting the dog to explore her with her nose and creating an inviting space. This would have made a better start on trust building and the dog would be most impressed by the child's understanding of canine etiquette, energy and body language.
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This is another example of a child sharing intimate space with a dog. This dog is enjoying the attention and isnt at all concerned about the closeness.. These two have had previous encounters.. theres established trust. Stella is showing signs of relaxation.. open mouth, soft body relaxed ear position.. While ideally it might be better to have her hand a bit lower its good the child has put her hand on the side below Stella's jaw. This is a nice example of relaxed and happy closeness .. side by side as opposed to ( sternum to sternum), shoulders back and chin up.
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Some Additional Thoughts on Kids and Dogs!
We think a lot can be done to make dog child relationships safe, fun and respectful.. Like grabbing a toy .. pulling away their dish.. knocking into them etc. How we select and introduce dogs to the children of adoptive families depends on the experience, if any the children have had with dogs.. if they are tentative, sensitive, able to listen and remain calm etc.. so your input will matter greatly. Having said all that we believe that no matter how tolerant a dog may be all dogs have a tipping point, and its entirely the responsibility of the adults in the household to insure the safety of both children and dogs.. educated supervision is a must. There are certain guidelines we can go through with you that will not only make life easier and happier but will help you educate your child about dogs so that he/she will have a lifetime of enjoying the companionship of dogs! Knowing how to read a dog's body language is key. There are a number of wonderfully educative and supportive web sites one of our favorites is Familypaws.com .. There are many and what you’ll find if you check out the good ones is that there are some pretty simple and consistent guidelines.. Please feel free to ask any specific questions .. we are here to support!
We think a lot can be done to make dog child relationships safe, fun and respectful.. Like grabbing a toy .. pulling away their dish.. knocking into them etc. How we select and introduce dogs to the children of adoptive families depends on the experience, if any the children have had with dogs.. if they are tentative, sensitive, able to listen and remain calm etc.. so your input will matter greatly. Having said all that we believe that no matter how tolerant a dog may be all dogs have a tipping point, and its entirely the responsibility of the adults in the household to insure the safety of both children and dogs.. educated supervision is a must. There are certain guidelines we can go through with you that will not only make life easier and happier but will help you educate your child about dogs so that he/she will have a lifetime of enjoying the companionship of dogs! Knowing how to read a dog's body language is key. There are a number of wonderfully educative and supportive web sites one of our favorites is Familypaws.com .. There are many and what you’ll find if you check out the good ones is that there are some pretty simple and consistent guidelines.. Please feel free to ask any specific questions .. we are here to support!
