Dogs and Kids: How to Keep Both Safe

A friend suggested I cover dogs and kids safety after her Lab that she had owned since he was 8 weeks old — and is now 9 years old — bit her 4 year old on the face. Fortunately, the wound was superficial but it did cover half her face and required the work of a plastic surgeon. This dog is a great, great dog and was always very sweet to my three kids. However, as my friend said, “Small children are always at risk, especially ones that have no fear of animals and are extremely attentive…sometimes more attentive than the animal likes.” As their family comes to terms with their daughter’s surgery combined with the loss of a beloved pet, Breezy Mama turned to Joel Silverman, host of Animal Planet’s Good Dog U, for advice for other families to avoid this tragic situation.

Let’s face it – if a dog is a part of the family, there can be times when an overzealous child may do something to the dog – without realizing it – that can have a negative reaction such as biting. How can busy parents keep both the dog and the child safe?

The best way for busy parents to keep both their dog and child safe is by simply being aware of signs of aggression in their dogs. Many pets that may have aggressive tendencies, give signs early on. Being aware of your dog’s body language, and how your dog responds to sights and sounds is imperative in knowing how your dog will react to stressful situations — such as kids running around, screaming, and playing.

Should a trusted pet ever be left alone with a preschool aged child?

It really depends upon the child and the personality and age of the dog. But I am almost always inclined to not leave a preschool aged child and dog together.

At what age is it safe for a child and a dog to be alone?

Again, that really depends upon the personality and maturity of the child as well as the personality and age of the dog. When talking about the relationship between pets and dogs, things are not black and white. No one knows their child and their dog better than the parents.

What tips do you have for getting a dog ready for when baby comes home?

Once again, personality and age of the dog can play a major factor when bringing a new bundle of joy into the household. However, regardless of the age or personality of your dog, it is always best to introduce the baby to the dog slowly. By putting the dog on a leash for its first few encounters with the new baby, you will have better control over the dog, which will be important in the event the dog gets playful or even a bit jealous.

What tips do you have for teaching a child once they are mobile such as walking starting at age 1, to be safe with the dog?

By the time baby starts walking hopefully your pet will already love the new family member, however I think it is a great idea to have the child periodically give the dog treats so that the pet realizes the toddler is a positive member of the family. My advice would be to use a Bil-Jac Liver Treat, these are what I use as a professional trainer and pets love them. By teaching a dog to do something simple like gently take a treat from a child, can be a great way to get the walking baby and the dog acquainted in the new situation. Remember, be present and active in the training and treat giving. The respect between your pet and child will grow and be a positive thing for the entire family!

I’ve heard of dogs nipping at a child because the child has gone for their food. How can parents avoid this situation?

The best advice I can give here to tell parents they should never let the child be in the dog’s reach while the pet is eating. Parents should avoid letting a child near a dogs food bowl at all times — whether the pet is eating or not. I cannot express this strongly enough, that it is the sole responsibility of the parent to make sure the child never gets the opportunity to be in that situation. Although it may not happen the first time, and your pet may seem ok with a child being near its food bowl, ultimately dogs, though part of the family, are still animals and the chances of your child being bit are great.

At what age is it safe to have a child be responsible for feeding the dog?

It all depends upon the size of the dog and size of child. However, once your child understands proper dog safety and your dog and child have properly bonded, it is safe for them to feed the dog. Again, I would suggest that parents always be in the room when a pet and a child are together, especially when food is involved.

What age can kids walk a dog by themselves?

It all depends upon the size of the dog and size of child.

I always get nervous when my kids want to pet a dog that’s a stranger. The owners always declare,”S/He is friendly.” But a friend who works in the hospital told me that every time a dog bite victim comes in, she hears the same thing over and over again: “S/He has never bit before!” How can I keep my kids from being a dog’s first victim?

My best advice is don’t let your child pet a dog you do not know. In my opinion, it’s not even worth the chance the dog could bite the child.

Realistically, a dog can suffer a lot of abuse with a child who doesn’t know better. How can parents better ensure the dog is safe?

Being aware of your dog, its tendencies and comfort levels is very important. Parents need to also be aware of the bond between their child and their pet. It is true that a pet may experience “abuse” at the hand of a child, but when properly built and monitored the bond and love between a pet and a child can be a wonderful thing.

Any other advice or tips for keeping both dogs and kids safe?

Be aware of your dog’s behavior. Dogs normally do not just bite someone — child or adult. The chances are there were warning that were missed early on in the dog’s attitude and body language that showed some types of aggression. Signs such as low growling, the way the dog is standing, the way the dog is staring, the way the dog is pacing, shaking, the dog being teased and chased by children.

Breezy Tips: My friend (who I mentioned above) also offered these tips and resources:

• If you say “my dog is great with children,” “my dog loves kids!” it could still happen to you. We said all these things, and until May 3rd it was true.
• If you ever say “My dog is so tolerant with kids” you are asking WAY too much of your dog! No matter how sweet, any animal can bite given the right circumstance.
• As dogs age, they become less tolerant and more prone to pain-induced, or startle-induced biting.
• Your dog should have a place he can go where he cannot be bothered: a pillow, a crate, a doghouse, whatever. This place should be totally off limits to kids and people.
• Small children should be trained how to respect dogs and understand their signals.
• Parents should never let small children interact with dogs unmonitored.
• If you know your child can annoy animals, they need to have restrictions and limited interaction with their dog and others’ dogs. Never leave them alone with ANY pet.
• Parents should read all there is about dominance behavior in dogs and how to be the alpha. Never break those rules (e.g., never let your pet roam the neighborhood—no matter how much the neighbors love him, never play tug-of-war, never let your dog go out a door before you, never let your dog lay on you, never let them eat until you have given them the signal, etc., etc.)

RESOURCES:

http://www.plasticsurgery4u.com/procedure_folder/dog_bite.html

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/kidsdog2.html

http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/teach.htm

http://www.dogsandkids.ca/default.htm

http://www.thebluedog.org/

About Joel Silverman
Joel Silverman is the official trainer of Bil-Jac author of predicted best-seller What Color is Your Dog? and host of Animal Planet’s Good Dog U. For more than 25 years, Silverman has worked behind the scenes training animals for movies, TV shows and commercials. He has appeared on national programs such as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, CNN, MSNBC and FOX News, along with hundreds of local morning news programs. Silverman has offered advice on pet care and training based on his lifetime commitment to the welfare of animals and their special place in our lives. For more information about Bil-Jac and tips from Joel Silverman, visit www.Bil-Jac.com or www.CompanionsForLife.net.

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