Dogs and Small Children - Advice and Education

Unfamiliar Dogs

When it comes to small children and unfamiliar dogs you should be cautious and leery. We try to teach our kids about talking to strangers. You should also talk to them about petting and playing with unfamiliar dogs. Although most dogs you come across are friendly; there are some who would rather be left alone. You should take the time to talk to your children about what to do and how to approach a new dog.

Sometimes dogs are put in a situation where they feel frightened or scared. This could lead to them snapping at a child. Another thing to remember is that you should always ask permission before touching an unfamiliar dog. Sometimes even if you ask the owner, they are not necessarily going to tell you if it can be sometimes snappish. So even if they say their dog doesn't bite, still be cautious.

You should teach your child to be aware of the dog's body language and the surroundings you are in. If you are in a crowded noisy area and there are many children wanting to pet the dog all at once, you should be cautious, because the dog may be afraid or excited by all the attention.

You should always pay close attention to the dog and look for signs that they want to interact with you. Some of these signs are tail wagging, attentiveness and an open mouth as if they are "smiling" at you. If the dog is showing fear you should be careful. Some signs that a dog may be afraid are: if their tail is tucked in, if they turn their head away or are licking their lips, or if they have a closed mouth and are hiding behind their handler: these can all be signs of fear. If they are cowering, growling or shaking it may not be the best time for your child to pet the dog.

When Baby Makes 4

There is always an adjustment period when you have a new baby. If you already have a dog in the family there will be extra planning and preparation involved. Many dog owners who do not yet have children have doted on their pet and their dog thinks they are the "baby" of the household.

Planning ahead and thinking about how your dog may react can help minimise the adjustment period. It is wise to make sure that your dog will understand and obey you before the baby arrives. It is a good idea if your dog has completed at least basic obedience training and will follow simple commands such as "sit" and "stay."

Getting your dog ready for all changes that will happen after the baby arrives can be done by getting them used to infants and small children. You can gradually introduce your dog to babies and small children by having family and friends with children visit.

It is also important that they get used to not getting as much attention as before. You may want to gradually decrease the time you spend interacting with your dog months before the baby arrives. This way the dog doesn't associate less attention with having the baby in the house. If you plan ahead the transition period will be less stressful for everyone.

If you have health concerns or questions about your dog interacting with a new baby you should consult your vet. Another thing to keep in mind is that the costs of medical treatments for your dog are high and still increasing. Your smart move is to buy pet insurance. This will give you piece of mind and the ability to take care of your pet in case of a medical emergency or injury. For just a few pounds a month you will be able to provide the best medical treatment for your pet to ensure a long a happy life.

Dogs and puppies make great companions for children. They will be loyal and protective of them for their lifetime. A child needs to be taught how to play and handle their puppy or dog. They need to be taught that a dog is not a toy or doll and shouldn't be handled roughly.

There has been research done that has shown that it is beneficial for a child to have a pet. It is educational and therapeutic and encourages them to become more responsible and sociable. In today's society we hear so many terrible stories about dogs biting children and some people assume that dogs and children don't mix well. However, if a child and dog are prepared for living together in harmony there is no reason why they can not be best buddies and enjoy many wonderful years together.

Children have to be taught to understand how dogs react in different situations. They must learn that a dog has feelings too and they don't like to have their tail or ears pulled on. They might get mad and snap or bite. They should learn not to suddenly wake their pet from a deep sleep with loud noises. If you take the time to socialise your child and dog from an early age they will grow up to be the best of friends.

Dog bites are common no matter where you live. A large majority of these injuries are preventable if a person is brought up to understand dogs and their behaviours. Most dog biting incidents happen in the home and could be avoided with a little awareness of some common causes why a dog will bite or snap.

Teach your small children not to disturb their dog or puppy when he is sleeping or eating. Also toddlers and young children often unwittingly encourage puppies to chase and bite in play and should be supervised at all times. Both puppies and children have to be taught how to be gentle with each other.

It is wise if both you and your children not to play rough and aggressive games with your puppy as it can encourage aggressive behaviour later on. Another thing to be careful of is not to play fight or taunt the puppy to make him protective or jealous; because this could backfire later if the dog misjudges the situation. It is wise to make sure that your child doesn't force himself on a puppy or dog. They need to understand that a puppy needs quiet time just like them.

Having a dog as a pet will enrich your children's lives. By taking care of a dog a child a can learn responsibility, get exercise and have someone who will be there by their side. It is up to adults and parents to make sure that a child is taught how to care for and how to handle their pet. By having patience and understanding everyone in the family can enjoy and love their four-legged family member.

Pet insurance is like having health insurance on yourself, it is there when you need it for those unexpected large health-related bills. By having this kind of insurance you can ensure that your pet will get the best treatment. You can also buy dog insurance for older pets. They don't have to be puppies to be eligible; as long as you keep the premiums up they will be covered for their lifetime.

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