Dogs, Teach Your Children How To Treat Them To Avoid Problems
Our beautiful Great Dane gets lots of attention when we are out and about. He is well trained and I trust him totally, but it really surprises me how some people allow their children to approach a strange dog. Often times the children run right up to him and grab him in a big hug while the parents just laugh. While my dog may be ok with it that type of behavior could get someone hurt.
So, let’s start early and teach children, as well as adults, how to behave around dogs, especially ones they don’t know and that don’t know them. It’s for their own safety as well as that of the animal.
By following a few guidelines you lessen the chance of being bitten, you can ease any fear there may be of dogs by some people as well. With children especially you don’t want them to be overconfident. I don’t want you to instill fear of dogs in kids but a healthy respect for them as well as all animals.
First, always approach a new dog calmly and always ask permission of the owner before petting the animal. This not only shows politeness and respect but can save you suffering the wrath of an owner that doesn’t want his animal messed with or possibly a bite from an unfriendly or frightened animal.
Hold out your hand palm down, a non-threatening gesture, and let the dog smell you.
Speak softly and when the owner gives you permission stroke the dog in the direction the hair grows. Some dogs don’t like to be ruffled! Most dogs like their necks stroked, under their chin scratched and, for my dog, the ear scratch just can’t be beat!
Don’t grab the dog in a restricting hug unless you are very familiar with it and know the dog is ok with that action.
It’s not a good idea to stare a dog right in the eyes, to canines this can present a challenge.
Never tease a dog, especially one chained or behind a fence. This can make a dog aggressive and when it is loose it will remember! To this day my dog doesn’t like the neighbor boy because he used to poke at him through the fence with a stick! Most people my dog readily accepts but he won’t have anything to do with this boy.
Don’t bother a dog while it is eating, chewing a toy or napping. They need their space too. We worked hard with our dog to make him not protective of his food or toys, you can take his food practically out of his mouth with out a response but some dogs can be very protective.
Teach your children well. Their manners and respect will be greatly appreciated by dog owners and dogs alike. And the pet will be a great gift to your life.
