How To Spread The Word?

[GSDowner]

When walking my dog I often come across children who behave noisily around my dog: they make sudden movements, wave their arms running past . . Sometimes children come from behind, sometimes run rowards us . My dog gets frightened and growls. My other dogs also hated it.

I am afraid that a child may come across a dog which would bite out of fear .

I understand that children need to play and run and be noisy but they shouldn't do it in close proximity to dogs.

Shouldn't school be teaching children proper behaviour around dogs?

Edited February 19, 2010 by GSDowner

[Fit for a King]

There are some school programs that have instructors who bring in dogs and try to educate kids. Ironically though I know of one guy who still does it but the kids are told from the beginning "don't touch my dog he bites" (and he does). This fellow runs an obedience school. It seems bizarre to me to be using such an animal as an educational tool when there are plenty of friendly dogs that could be used to teach kids to approach and touch appropriately.

[♪♫LMBC♫♪]

I don't think most school teachers would even know how kids should/shouldn't behave around dogs, unless they are dog people themselves. The reason kids are allowed to do it is because no one knows any better. Maybe you should say something yourself, either to the kids, or their parents (or both).

[♪♫LMBC♫♪]

There are some school programs that have instructors who bring in dogs and try to educate kids. Ironically though I know of one guy who still does it but the kids are told from the beginning "don't touch my dog he bites" (and he does). This fellow runs an obedience school. It seems bizarre to me to be using such an animal as an educational tool when there are plenty of friendly dogs that could be used to teach kids to approach and touch appropriately.

Yes, but its probably also good for kids to understand that you can't always pat any dog.

[slk]

As a mother of young children - I always tell my children not to run towards dogs (even our own!), not to pat strangers dogs without asking the owners first, etc.

But, as for children being impulsive, boisterous and just noisy - well, that's kids for you. They have jerky movements, they are sudden in their movments, they often make the wrong choices. They are finding their way in the world still. I think it would be easier to control the dog than the child because it's jus how children are designed to be.

If I had a dog that I didn't trust around children then I would keep then on a very short lead and I would also avoid places where there are a lot of children.

[Baby Dragon]

I have an assistance dog and we often have kids running up and trying to hug or pat my dog while I'm in the shops. It's pretty annoying but dogs are just a magnet for kids. Occasionally I will overhear a mum or dad explaining to their child why they can't go up and pat or disturb the dog, and I really appreciate it when parents do this so I try to thank them when I do catch them doing it.

I think the problem is two fold. Many parents either don't know the correct behaviour around dogs, or they do know it but don't teach their children.

The other reason I feel is that some parents don't supervise their kids very well in general. Some parents will let them wander without watching what the kids are doing. And as I said before, dogs seem to attract kids. If the kids haven't been taught appropriate behaviour for when they're near dogs then unfortunately it's often left to the dog owner to put themselves between the kids and their dog. I've had to do this several times, to protect my dog from excited, screaming kids running around.

[GSDowner]

If I had a dog that I didn't trust around children then I would keep then on a very short lead and I would also avoid places where there are a lot of children.

Well, it has nothing to do with not trusting my dog around children.

I don't go to playgrounds. Children are everywhere - how can I avoid them?

I from my side keep my dog on a short leash, but I don't have eyes at the back of my head.

[poodlefan]

Well, it has nothing to do with not trusting my dog around children.

I don't go to playgrounds. Children are everywhere - how can I avoid them?

I from my side keep my dog on a short leash, but I don't have eyes at the back of my head.

You can't. Futhermore, as a responsible adult it is YOU that must ensure that your dog does not present a threat to them.

If you're genuinely concerned that your dog may bite if startled, muzzle it.

Believe me when I say that if it happens it won't be the child's behaviour that will be under the microscope.

[GSDowner]

I really appreciate it when parents do this so I try to thank them when I do catch them doing it.

I think the problem is two fold. Many parents either don't know the correct behaviour around dogs, or they do know it but don't teach their children.

The other reason I feel is that some parents don't supervise their kids very well in general. Some parents will let them wander without watching what the kids are doing. And as I said before, dogs seem to attract kids. If the kids haven't been taught appropriate behaviour for when they're near dogs then unfortunately it's often left to the dog owner to put themselves between the kids and their dog. I've had to do this several times, to protect my dog from excited, screaming kids running around.

Exactly! dog owners have responsibilities and so do parents!!!

[Amika]

I think there is a flip side to this, dogs who are raised with kids generally become use to their noise and movement. Maybe you could spend more time in areas with kids and let your dog/dogs become accustomed to childrens play behaviour. Im not saying let the kids annoy the crap out of your dog, tease etc as we all know thats unacceptable but just sit near a kids playground and let your dog watch etc, maybe even interact once it seems more confident around them. It's just another form of socialisation.

Edit - You could also use this time to educate kids on how to approach dogs, ask permission before patting etc etc. A learning experience for the kids and the dogs.

Edited February 19, 2010 by Amika

[poodlefan]

Exactly! dog owners have responsibilities and so do parents!!!

Yes, they do. But if the worst happens, we're the ones whose beloved pets get euthanaised.

I don't trust my dog's safety to others.. ever. And I'd not trust any child's safety around my dog to their parents doing the right thing.

[poodlefan]

I think there is a flip side to this, dogs who are raised with kids generally become use to their noise and movement. Maybe you could spend more time in areas with kids and let your dog/dogs become accustomed to childrens play behaviour. Im not saying let the kids annoy the crap out of your dog, tease etc as we all know thats unacceptable but just sit near a kids playground and let your dog watch etc, maybe even interact once it seems more confident around them. It's just another form of socialisation.

I don't have kids but I go out of my way to get my puppies into situations where they can play with dog savvy kids. With puppies fortunately that's not difficult - kids love them.

Howard was grabbed around the neck by a toddler at a show last year.. kids move fast and she wanted to "hug the puppy". If I'd had any doubt about my dog's ability to handle a situation like that, I'd not have had him walking through a crowd.

Edited February 19, 2010 by poodlefan

[poodlefan]

I think there is a flip side to this, dogs who are raised with kids generally become use to their noise and movement. Maybe you could spend more time in areas with kids and let your dog/dogs become accustomed to childrens play behaviour. Im not saying let the kids annoy the crap out of your dog, tease etc as we all know thats unacceptable but just sit near a kids playground and let your dog watch etc, maybe even interact once it seems more confident around them. It's just another form of socialisation.

Edit - You could also use this time to educate kids on how to approach dogs, ask permission before patting etc etc. A learning experience for the kids and the dogs.

I would never do this with kids and an unmuzzled adult dog with a question mark over its behaviour around them. It's fraught with risk.

This is why we teach bite inhibition. However, a dog that can be triggered to react aggressively to relatively low levels of stimulus and/or that doesn't have good bite inhibition should always be regarded as a risk where kids are concerned, even if you are supervising.

Edited February 19, 2010 by poodlefan

[GSDowner]

This is what I found - from an expert on dogs;

"What your children should know

Just as finding the 'right' dog is important, it's also vital that you teach your children how to treat your pet and how to behave around it. Here are some practical tips that can help and are useful whether or not you have a dog at home:

Teach children to be gentle and respectful around dogs. Show them how to stroke a dog gently on the head or chest.

Explain that they mustn't pull the dog's tail or ears, poke it in the eye, tease it or be rough with it or hug it - generally speaking dogs find hugging threatening.

Don't let your children be too loud around your dog, such as running around, screaming and shouting, this can startle dogs and they can react instinctively.

Tell them not to stare a dog in the eye as this can be threatening.

If your dog is sleeping or eating, your children should leave it alone.

Edited February 19, 2010 by GSDowner

[ChristieGunter]

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Edited February 19, 2010 by ChristieGunter

[newfsie]

I think there is a flip side to this, dogs who are raised with kids generally become use to their noise and movement. Maybe you could spend more time in areas with kids and let your dog/dogs become accustomed to childrens play behaviour. Im not saying let the kids annoy the crap out of your dog, tease etc as we all know thats unacceptable but just sit near a kids playground and let your dog watch etc, maybe even interact once it seems more confident around them. It's just another form of socialisation.

Edit - You could also use this time to educate kids on how to approach dogs, ask permission before patting etc etc. A learning experience for the kids and the dogs.

We have done the same.....We do not have kids, but we have included lots of playing kids in our socialisation program. We have friends with screaming rowdy kids and our dogs have become very comfortable being around many different playing, racing, bike-riding kids.

When we walk the street in our nearby little village, a lot of people now come up and ask to pet our dogs. And we go into the little speech of always make sure you ask, because not all dogs are happy with strangers, blah, blah, blah. Our Annabelle is a newf rescue and she was terrified of kids, but she loves their company now, because we introduced her slow and steady and made it fun with treats

[Adele]

I was talking to my husband about this just last night as when I went for a walk a mother who was a fair bit behind us was letting her six/seven year old boy run in front of her but he was running right behind us screaming at his sister and Sooty was getting so spooked. They ran straight past us so I pulled Sooty off the path. We were doing a loop so we met them again and again the mother just let her kids run right up to us - Sooty wasn't that bothered this time because she could actually see them but I wish more people would have the mind set that every dog has the potential to bite rather than they won't bite. It sounds horrible but if more people were cautious and expected a dog to bite then I think some incidents could be avoided.

I am a lower primary teacher and I do teach my children dog awareness and have read the book "Can I pat that dog?"

[MsBex]

I think it's a battle you'll never really win with educating kids, which leaves the only other option of controlling/acclimatising your pet better.

I do understand the frustration that comes with kids who aren't dog savvy, particularly having previously had a dog with a very high prey drive, yet I don't hold any high hopes for kids to change their behaviour.

My son for example has been around dogs since he was very young. He's always been taught not to run and scream around dogs, not to approach/pet a strange dog without asking both mine and the owner's permission, and not to play wrestle with even our own dogs, however despite being told NUMEROUS times sometimes it seems to go in one ear and out the other! He's very repentent when I tell him off, yet I know it won't be the last time.

He's not a naughty nor a highly strung child at all, just forgets things, like most children I know.

[GSDowner]

Ok, teachers have enough on their plate, but surely teaching about behaviour around dogs is not a big involved subject like Mathemtatics, English etc

Maybe children should be taught in kindergartens, by parents etc.

I know that the most important thing is to have a dog under control but it would not hurt to educate children, although it may seem children don't take it in

Edited February 19, 2010 by GSDowner

[persephone]

GSD owner- I can understand your concerns ..however, I believe as dog owners it is OUR responsibility to make sure our dog is as safe as can be reasonably expected when/if faced with the unexpected!

These days none of my dogs go to town..

some years back, with my Kieran (Dane X deerhound, 45 kg brindle ) I socialised him like nobody's business .. in town/shops/ with kids... mainly because he was bred to be a pig dog- we rescued him, and I had NO idea what temperament he had...

Anyhow- he was bombproof - except for teen males and drunk men. Suited me fine ;)

Kids used to run up and hug him- he would slurp icecreams from toddlers ... and everyone just loved him My current dog is ok with older kids- supervised carefully, but I am not confident.

The snippet you pasted about children startling a dog.. I think the relevant point there is that was written for dog OWNERS- it refers to 'YOUR DOG'- and yes, it is important to teach your own kids about dogs and behaviours

the linkHERE is an interesting online book , dealing with this subject. The project, of which th ebook is part, can be found HERE

surely teaching about behaviour around dogs is not a big involved subject

ermmm.. there is quite a lot involved, really