School is out! Summer is coming! Summertime is the perfect opportunity to spend time bonding with children and pets in the home. Here are a few guidelines to keep both your children and dog(s) safe this summer.
Set Them Up for Success
-
NEVER your children unattended with the dog, especially if your child has friends or other unfamiliar children over.
-
Create a child free zone for your dog. Baby gates and crates are a great way to separate your dog from the children if needed. These barriers can help your dog to acclimate to new visitors in the home, or give them a break if they start to feel stressed.
Proper Introductions
-
When your dog is meeting a child (your child’s friend, relative) for the first time, have your dog on leash.
-
Instruct the child to be CALM and stand still. Let the dog approach and sniff the child’s hand (fist, not fingers).
Petting the Dog
-
Make sure children always ask to pet the dog (especially unfamiliar dogs).
-
Always approach a dog from the front, and move slowly toward their side. NEVER surprise a dog by approaching it from the back. Be sure not to tower over the dog. This can be intimidating and scary.
-
Teach your kids gentle touch. Do not pat, slap, or hit dogs when trying to pet them.
-
When petting the dog, pet the side or back of the dog. Avoid the head and the tail, these can be sensitive areas.
Things to Avoid
-
Let sleeping dogs lie! NEVER disturb a sleeping dog!
-
Leave sick/injured dogs alone! If a child notices that the dog seems to be sick or hurt tell them to notify an adult ASAP.
-
Do not approach a momma dog with puppies. Mommy dogs can be protective of their babies.
-
Do not: Run, Yell, or Scream around dogs. This can cause high arousal. Keep interactions with dogs quiet and calm.
-
Do not approach a dog when it is eating, drinking, chewing on a treat/bone, or has a toy.
-
NO: Grabbing, Pulling Ears, Chasing, Wrestling, Hugging, Kissing, Taking Toys Away, Playing Tug with Toys, No Cornering!
-
Don’t let dog: Grab onto child’s clothing, Jump up on Child, or Sit on Child’s Lap.
Learn to Identify Stress Signals in Dogs
-
Avoidance
-
Cowering
-
Lip Licking
-
Growling
-
Hiding
-
Drooling
-
Pacing
-
Moving Slowly/Freezing (Statue)
-
Yawning
-
Eye Darting
-
Panting
-
Shedding
