Dogs & Children
According to current statistics Australians
love their pets, with 40 per cent of
households having a dog and 26 per cent
having a cat. It is extremely important to
understand the dynamics of pet ownership
and care, especially when the household
contains children.
Our pets fulfill a number of roles ranging from
companions, farm helpers and assistance
providers. Further research suggests that there
are many positives in having a pet in the home.
Helping to care for animals is a great way of
teaching children responsibility.
It is essential that prior to purchasing an
animal the family considers all the reasons
for introducing a pet into the household and
research the most appropriate type to meet their
needs. Unfortunately impulse buying can lead to
unnecessary problems. Pets are not a throw away
item but a companion for life!
The choice of pet needs to take into account
environmental and family lifestyle issues, financial
considerations and time constraints. There is no
use having an animal that relies on us to fulfill all
its needs if the family doesn’t spend a great deal
of time at home.
Dogs and children form a very special bond.
A family dog is often a key part of a child’s
formative years and tends to become their best
friend, particularly for the single child. Children
provide dogs with affection, opportunities for
activity and interaction and dogs provide children
with companionship and loyal friendship. By living
with a dog, children also learn about responsibility
and develop nurturing and caring skills. Children
with pets generally have higher self-esteem and
better social skills.
While pet ownership provides benefits for the
child, parents should educate both themselves
and their children to offset any risks. Due to dogs
territorial nature it is unfortunate that young
children can be bitten by a dog that they know. For
this reason, children should always be supervised
when around dogs. Dogs are pack animals and see
themselves in an established pecking order
When introducing children to dogs it is imperative
that children understand how to approach dogs, so
that they are equipped to better handle themselves
and minimize risk.
- Never run towards a dog.
- Avoid patting dogs you don’t know.
- Always get permission to pat a dog from the owner.
- Approach a dog at an angle,not from the front or rear.
- Slowly extend the back of your hand for the dog to sniff.
- Stroke the dog gently on the side of the chest or under the chin (not the top of the head or shoulders).
- Don’t continue patting the dog if it backs away or doesn’t sniff the hand.
It is equally important for children to be able
to read dog behaviour, as dogs can bite when
frightened or provoked. Teach children to leave
a dog alone and not run away or kick, squeal or
jump if the following behaviours are exhibited.
A FRIGHTENED DOG:
- Has its ears back.
- Has its tail curled under its legs.
- Tries to minimize its size by hunching or lying down.
AN AGGRESSIVE DOG:
- Shows its teeth and/or snarls.
- Has its ears laid back but not totally lowered.
- Has its tail raised.
- Tries to make itself bigger by raising its hackles and standing on the tips of its paws.
By providing your children with the necessary
education, you can help to ensure that they have
a rewarding relationship and loyal companion
for life. You will also provide your dog with a
comfortable environment in which they will aim to
please you and the children.