Keeping Children and Dogs Safe
Living with a dog enriches children's lives in many ways. Taking care of a dog is an excellent way of teaching a child how to take responsibility, express empathy, and get additional exercise and to have fun. Caring for, handling and playing with a dog can also significantly help to raise a child or young person’s self-esteem and confidence.
Enabling children and dogs to live happily together takes time, patience and an understanding of what both the child and dog needs. It is the responsibility of all adults and especially parents/guardians/carers, to make sure that these valuable child/dog relationships are developed and nurtured so that one understands the other and both can live safely and harmoniously together.
The Kennel Club has produced a free training programme for children called Safe and Sound which provides information and advice to children on how to behave appropriately with dogs. Guide Dogs strongly recommend that you access this information and undertake the on-line quiz with your child. The Safe and Sound programme can be found on the Kennel Club website. http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/training/safe-and-sound/
At the end of this document is an information sheet called ‘How to be a good friend to your dog’ which Guide Dogs recommends you use for teaching your child the appropriate ways to interact with dogs.
Responsibilities of parents and guardians
Young children and dogs should only interact when under adult supervision. A young child should never be left alone with a dog and they should be separated if one of them becomes over excited or overly boisterous. Baby gates are recommended to provide a “time out” facility for both situations and in doing so keep both dog and child safe.
It is important for all children to be taught that dogs are not toys and that there are certain rules they need to follow.
Never let your child ambush or force themselves on the dog. If they want to play, the dog should be invited over. If the dog does not wish to play at that time ensure that your child does not try to force the dog into a play situation.
Most dogs dislike close face-to-face contact unless they have instigated it themselves, so teach your child to keep their face away from the dogs face. Allowing a dog to lick the face should also be discouraged for hygiene reasons.
Teach your child to understand the importance of 'quiet time' for the dog. Ensure the dog has its own space and can have peace and quiet when it wants it.
Finally always follow any specific advice given to you by Guide Dogs in relation to interaction with the dog and if you have any concerns please speak to your Guide Dogs contact.
How To Be A Good Friend To Your Dog
You and your dog can become the best of friends very quickly. To become friends your dog needs to know that you will keep him safe and that you will treat him with respect and kindness. By following the rules below you will teach your dog to trust you ensuring that you and he become best buddies.
§ Always praise your dog when he does what you ask him to
§ Give your dog lots of love and attention
§ Only play with your dog when you have asked an adult if it is ok and the adult is nearby. Some games such as putting clothes on a dog or fighting games are not ok
§ Cuddling and hugging your dog may make it feel smothered and frightened. Stroking is always better. Always use a long smoothing stroking movement from your dog’s neck to the end of its back as he will enjoy this. Never pull its ears, tail or fur as this can hurt him
§ Teasing your dog by poking him, snatching toys away from him or chasing can frustrate and frighten him. This might make him retaliate and hurt you by knocking you over, jumping up or growling at you
§ If your dog gets very excited when you are with him move away slowly and tell an adult
§ Keep quiet and calm around your dog otherwise you may scare him. Never make sudden movements or loud noises when close to your dog as this can be frightening for a dog
§ Give your dog the opportunity to take time out and relax. Understand that your dog needs time and space to himself and he may want to go off on its own
§ Your dog’s bed is their special place and is only for them. Do not go onto your dog’s bed as he may try to protect it from you by growling or worse. If your dog doesn’t want to leave its bed never try to make it do so
§ If you dog is eating his food or has a chew leave him alone to enjoy it
§ Always invite your dog to come to you if you want to play. Never at any time force your dog to play games if it doesn’t want to
§ Always speak to your dog in a normal or quiet voice. Dogs do not like being shouted at as it can make them feel very scared and he may growl at you because he feels frightened. Sometimes shouting at a dog can over excite him and he may start running around which could knock you over and hurt you
§ If your dog is asleep leave him alone. If you touch your dog when he is sleeping you may startle and scare him and he may growl at you. If you need to wake your dog up call his name gently giving him time to wake up properly and then call him to you
§ Staring at a dog can make it uncomfortable and scare it. Dogs don’t like having faces near to theirs or being kissed around the face area. Both of these actions can frighten some dogs. Instead stroke your dog gently or play a game with him
§ Sometimes dogs feel frightened. When they feel like this they will often growl to try and hide their fear. If your dog growls at you, walk away slowly and tell an adult
§ All dogs lick but they are not allowed to lick adults or children. If your dog licks you tell him “no” in a quiet firm voice and then praise him when he stops. Wash the area he has licked with soap and water
§ Always wash your hands after touching your dog
§ When you are eating make sure your dog is in another room in case he tries to eat your food
§ Always ask before giving any treat to your dog. Human sweets, chocolate and other foods can make a dog very ill so only allow your dog to eat proper dog treats and do not give him any human foods at all
Keeping children and dogs safe v.1