There are often reports in the media about a child that’s been bitten by a dog, with serious consequences for all parties. A dog owner has a responsibility to take the utmost care when there are children around the dog; whether they’re part of the family, visitors or strangers. It’s not only large dogs that are dangerous to children; small dogs also have sharp teeth and can easily snap at a child.
A good relationship between your dog and children doesn’t just happen. The dog has to be trained how to behave around children and children must be taught the correct way to treat and care for a dog. In the case of a baby, the dog should be introduced to the baby when it’s quiet, as screaming and crying can upset and scare the dog. Allow the dog to be around when the baby is fed, changed and bathed. Take the dog and baby out for a stroll once it is used to the new arrival.
Toddlers must be taught not to poke, pull or pester the dog. Teaching the child to respect the dog is an ongoing process as the child may see the dog as a live teddy bear to play with. An adult must always be present; you don’t know what a child may do and how the dog will react. They may be too rough with a puppy or provoke an older dog.
Particular care must be taken when children are visiting, and the dog must be taught that jumping up on children is not allowed. When children play rough and noisy games with their friends, rather keep the dog out of the way. A dog can become over-excited by children playing and shouting and their shrill voices can irritate a dog’s ears.
A dog, particularly a large breed, should not be taken out by a child under 16. There’s too much that can go wrong – other aggressive dogs, children teasing the dog or an unpredictable situation the dog has not encountered before.
Even if you don’t have children at home, the dog must still be taught how to behave when it encounters children. Introducing the dog to children and allowing them to touch it must be part of the dog’s socialization. However, the owner must be aware that not all children they come across will know how to behave around a dog; rather try to avoid such encounters.
Remember the unbreakable rule: NEVER leave a young child, or children, alone with a dog of ANY breed.