My young children are generally gentle with the dog (heeler/corgi mix). She does not seem to mind being handled by them, but with all these stories of kids getting killed by dogs, I kind of get worried! Are there warning signs that the dog would flip out at my kids?
2006-11-07 15:01:20 · 8 answers · asked by Hicktown girl66 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Well, a few of those stories, the kids were killed by the dog that has been in the family for years.
2006-11-07 15:05:59 · update #1
The first rule of thumb in being a responsible dog owner who has children is "Never leave children under age 12 alone with dogs".
NEVER!
It only takes a moment for a child to do something to the dog that will have the dog snap out. Pulling ears, poking eyes, stepping on paws, whatever. Kids will be kids, and dogs will, especially smaller dogs, defend themselves.
An adult observing the dog and children will stop the child before they do something to cause the dog pain and everyone will live in harmony. Simple as that.
Now, there ARE things you can do to help your dog understand that the kids are not simply playmates, but in fact are just short humans, and as humans, need to be respected.
Have your kids feed the dog. Taking turns, with you closely monitoring, have the kids be the ones to set down the dish, making the dog 'sit' or follow some other command before being fed. It is up to you to be sure the dog actually follows the kid's command.
Have the kids work on obedience with the dog. With you standing behind the child, have them hold a treat and have the dog sit. If the dog obeys ON THE FIRST COMMAND, the dog gets the treat. If the dog doesn't obey the first command, you step silently around the child, push the dog into the proper position and return behind the child. Have the child release the dog and repeat the command. The dog doesn't get the treat until he sits when the child gives the first command.
Branch out with other commands.
Work with the children on vocal tone. Dogs understand tone better than actual words. The child has a naturally higher-pitched tone than an adult, and as such, the dog won't respect the child's voice as much as it will yours. Teach your child to speak in a low, calm voice to the dog. Work with the child on confidence so their voice reflects their expectation of compliance to their commands.
It takes time, it takes work, but it is well worth it. The above lessons will not only help your child gain control over your family pet, but will carry on throughout their lives.
2006-11-07 15:36:21 · answer #1 · answered by Lori R 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If she's been around people, including children, she's likely to be well socialized and is unlikely to attack. A good dog understands her pace in the family and her place is under all of the people in the household. Since children are generally allowed to do things that dog's are not, the dog is likely to see herself as inferior and show the children respect. Small children, of course, should always be supervised with pets since they can be injured accidentally as well.
A dog chained out in a back yard on the other hand...
2006-11-07 23:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by bollywoodturtle 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will know better than most. Read your dogs reactions. Does your dog nip or growl, pull his ears back, bear his teeth, put tail between the legs, or wag the tail but in an excited but not playful way. Seperated the kids and dog for a while. I do not know the age of your children, but the safest practice, always, is supervision.
2006-11-07 23:06:55 · answer #3 · answered by krissy4543 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your dog growl at the kids when they pull and/or play with her? Does she ever snap at the kids? Is she defensive about her food, barking or growling if the kids are around it?
If you can answer no to these questions, she's probably well adjusted to your kids. Of course, you have to be diligent in teaching your kids that dogs are like people - they don't like to have their eyes poked or their legs and ears pulled on. Even a good dog has a breaking point.
2006-11-07 23:06:39 · answer #4 · answered by LorraineBates 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dogs are normally great with kids.....you would no if the dog didn't like to be around children. The one thing I always watch out for is during feedings....keep small children AWAY from there food.
2006-11-07 23:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by RaChelle H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she's never showed any signs of aggression you should be fine. But just watch for the usual signs and if she stiffens up and stares at them out of the corner of her eyes then watch out cause she could snap.
2006-11-07 23:29:50 · answer #6 · answered by jaysgurl28 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think its important that when you get a dog you should get a puppy so they can grow with your children and i don't think you will have a problem because then they will figure each other out
2006-11-07 23:04:57 · answer #7 · answered by amy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most kids provoke dog attacks ....You should ask yourself how to keep my innocent dog safe from aggressive savage kids
2006-11-07 23:35:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋