Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best can be the stuff of childhood dreams. At it's worst, it can be a source of heartache and pain and even injury. How can you ensure that your child and Man's Best Friend have a loving and safe relationship? Mostly, it's the responsibility of the adults of the house to teach toddlers and even older children that a dog is not a toy. It's a living, breathing creature that feels pain, shame and humiliation as much as love, pride and happiness. A dog that bites a child may only be defending itself the only way it knows how. But to minimize ever having to worry about a parent's worst nightmare, family animal psychologist, Larry Lachman, M.S., offers the following advice:

SAFETY PREVENTION TIPS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD:

• Do NOT reach for a dog's head the first time they meet a dog nor excessively rough house around their own dog's head and face.

• Do NOT look a dog straight in the eyes, which could be seen as a threat or challenge by the dog.

• Do NOT run up frantically to a dog, which may react fearfully and defend itself or jump and bite at the child's face.

• Do NOT scream loudly at a dog, which could stress a dog or startle it, causing an aggressive response.

• Do NOT bother the dog while it is eating or chewing on a chew toy, which could trigger an aggressive guarding response, especially if the child is under seven years of age, where he/she is looked at by the dog as a competing animal in the pack.

• Do NOT hit, kick, slap, ride, or tease the dog in any manner.

• Do NOT leave the child and dog alone until the child is older than 7, and can control its impulses.

Adults Should Take The Time...

• To show the child HOW TO POSITIVELY interact and pet the dog under direct supervision.

• To show the child how to be a junior dog trainer, and get the dog to sit with a treat, under parental supervision.

• To only give the dog attention when the child is also receiving attention so the dog makes a better association with the child.

Following these tips will minimize conflict and teach your child to respect your dog and treat her as a member of the family.

About The Author

Gene R. Sower
Lucy The Wonder Dog, LLC
"For The Health & Wellness Of Your Dog"
http://www.lucythewonderdog.com

This is a Free-Reprint article. The only requirements for publishing this article are: You must leave the article and resource box unedited. You are not allowed to change our recommendations, nor are you allowed to change the context of the article.

You may not use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email). Email distribution of this article MUST be opt-in email only.

We ask that you forward a copy of the ezine or newsletter that contains the article inside to the author at: mailto:gene@lucythewonderdog.com

If you post this article on a website, you MUST set any URL's or Mailto addresses in the body of the article and most especially in the Author's Resource Box as hyperlinks. We request that you also send us a copy of the URL where you have posted this article.

If you find any of the rules to be unsavory or unacceptable, please do not publish this article. While we are happy to make the content available to you for your own use, we must insist on having our rules and *Terms of Reprint* honored in full.

____________________

Advertisement: SitStayFetch Dog Training - Click Here!

---

The Dangers of Canine Parasites

When you get a puppy, one of the first things that you need to do is make an appointment with the vet to get your new family... Read More

The Truth About Declawing

There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats declawed...whether it's due to personal convenience, apartment house rules and regulations, or simple lack of knowledge on... Read More

A Look at Discount Dog Beds

Many people want to make sure their family pet has just the right bed, but might not be willing to pay the (often quite hefty) price. It's... Read More

Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of excitement , expectation, and celebration.But for many it's also a difficult time. This is especially true for... Read More

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Many people consider their dog to be part of their family, and want to ensure his happiness and comfort. As dogs get older, they experience the same... Read More

Aromatherapy for Pets

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much as humans can. Aside from possibly eliminating bad odors and giving your pet a pleasant perfume, essential... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community. Why? Because I testified in support of a new regulation to limit pet ownership to no more... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 3 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that you just can't decide where to begin? If so, let's break it down and sort through all... Read More

Dog Training - How To Communicate With An Elderly Dog

As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't want something pushed down their throats, and they'll fight with all their might to prevent it. In... Read More

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs in shelters ever find their way home again. Thankfully, these loved pooches had identification, enabling shelter personnel... Read More

Parvo in Dogs

What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can be deadly even if treatment is given. So, to protect your puppy from contracting pravo you need... Read More

Canine Bloat

What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be... Read More

Top 15 Cat Quotations

Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels about you and life in general with these enlightening quotations about cats..."Dogs come when they're called; cats... Read More

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy owner faces is housebreaking or as it is sometimes also referred to; potty training or doing business.... Read More

How To Choose A Dog - There Is A Lot To Consider, But A Lot Of Help Too

Choosing a dog is a fun adventure. The search for a new familial addition is exciting, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Don't despair; instead,... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair ... With Your Dog Part Two - Assemble a Great Team

In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits early. Part two focuses on the types of people you want on your dog's 'team.'Create a Good... Read More

Goldfish Outdoors

How do you build a goldfish pond outdoors?The tools you will need are a shovel, pond liner and underlayment, a long enough rope, coping stones and decorations,... Read More

Sugar Gliders: How to Select a Sugar Glider Breeder

It is important to choose a sugar glider breeder carefully. A breeder should be able to tell you a lot about the particular glider(s) you're interested in... Read More

Dog Aggressive Training: Understand & Eliminate Your Dogs Aggressive Behavior

Aggression behavior in a dog is a normal form of canine communication similar to human frustration or anger. Like human, aggressive behavior occurs in every dog. The... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they always love to be around people. Treat them as family members. Never underestimate their need... Read More

Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?

How many times have you seen this situation where a child comes through the door with a dog in tow? It looks skinny and skittish and is... Read More

Cushings Disease

As our horses enjoy a longer life and many live well into old age so the number of horses with Cushing increases as its more common in... Read More

PH Levels in The Discus Tank

Because it is imperative that discus fish have optimal water conditions, much has been written about this subject, This is the plan put in place to insure... Read More

Do You Make These Mistakes Loading Your Horse Into A Trailer?

Mistake #1:"Here, Kitty Kitty..."Unless they have been educated, new horse owners often think a horse is like a cat or dog. They figure if they tap their... Read More

Adopt A Pet

In order to add love and affection to their lives, many people look into where they can adopt a pet. A number of neglected and deserted animals... Read More