Children like to play with dogs, but
do supervise this in case either the child or the puppy gets hurt. A toddler may
poke a dog in the eye, stand on it, pull its tail or pick it up by the lips. A
dog may knock over a tiny tot. The pups nails or tiny teeth may hurt the child.
If a dog feels threatened, tormented, frightened, or cornered he will defend
himself.
We need to teach our children how to treat a dog.
If we can't train the dog, we can train the child! Training a dog to respect a
child can be difficult as the dog may see the child as a playmate or underling,
and not "the master."
Children need to be taught never to
touch strange dogs, even if they are wagging their tails. Tail-wagging can mean
the dog is not sure whether to attack or be friendly. Kids should not even look
a strange dog in the eye, as the dog may see this as a challenge. They should
never run away from, or past a dog, but walk slowly or stand their ground. Dogs
chase runners and fast moving things like bicycles. High pitched screaming or
squealing can alarm the dog and make it think it’s under attack. Instead, the
children should call the dog and let the dog be the one to approach them. The
dog is then showing submission.
Kids shouldn’t touch a dog’s toy, bone or food, especially
when he is eating. They should respect a dog’s privacy when he is in his
kennel. Puppies need lots of naps during the day to give their body time to
grow.
Train children to use two hands when
picking up a puppy. Picking him up by the scruff of the neck will hurt him. Kids
must not touch a strange dog, even if it is behind a fence. They must not grab a
dog from behind or while sleeping. Don’t give a dog a fright or it may give you
a fright! Bitches with puppies are especially fierce in order to defend their
young. God has given them this instinct to ensure the survival of the species. If a dog threatens kids, tell them to throw something like a
lunch box or toy to the side of the dog to distract it. (They are not to throw
it AT the dog or threaten it). They can protect their face with a bag or
jacket.
Once the dog and child understand each
other, they will probably become the best of friends. Lonely children can
benefit from having a dog to confide in. Dogs keep secrets! Friends may come and
go, but the dog always there, and loves us no matter what everyone else thinks
of us. A dog can help a child through a stressful change, like moving house or
changing school. It gives stability to life. The love that a dog can bestow on a
child gives a child a positive self-image, and can help to ward off depression
and anxiety. Traumatised children can allow themselves to express love and
affection to an animal.
A child who is
afraid of the dark may feel reassured if he can take the dog to bed with him (a
living Teddy Bear) On the whole, dogs and kids get on very well and it is hoped
that the child will learn that a dog can be "man's best friend."
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