Kids and Pets

Let me give you a glimpse into my household at the moment.  We have 2 very playful and cuddly Labrador retrievers, Sam (85 pounds) and Kahne (65 pounds), and a VERY rambunctious 2 year old little boy.  This little boy might have stolen the hearts of his mom and dad, but Sam and Kahne could really take or leave him.  You see, our son doesn’t seem to understand that these sweet and loving dogs are not trampolines or step stools.  While Sam doesn’t seem to mind the menacing too much, Kahne would prefer to be left alone when it comes to the rough housing.  Kahne hasn’t bitten, but he has given warning growls.  The first time I noticed this behavior, it became apparent to me that our son has a lot to learn about playing with dogs (and cats for that matter).  I don’t scold Kahne, because he is doing his job in giving a warning.  If I were to scold him from growling or showing other signs of being uncomfortable with a situation, then he may turn to biting with no warning – and that’s when things become dangerous. 
 
I give you this synopsis of my home because I can’t imagine that my house is the only one that looks like this.  Most of us have our 4-legged kids before our human children come into the picture and I know it can be a work in progress in getting them to all love each other and get along.  So for those of you who have households like mine, or for those of you who have children that like to pet dogs and cats, these hints will be helpful in teaching your little ones to stay back until given the green light.
 
Helpful Hints:

• Actively teach young children how to interact with animals in a gentle, respectful fashion.  Demonstrate this behavior every chance you get.
• Be reminded that every animal is capable of unpredictable behavior.  Never leave a young child unsupervised with an animal, even if that animal happens to be a beloved pet.
• An eating or sleeping animal is wearing a “do not disturb” sign which should be respected.
• Allow a crate or other small, enclosed shelter to be an animal’s sacred space.  Bar entry to a young child.
• Avoid subjecting your pet to unnatural, uncomfortable poses for the sake of a photo!
• Teach children where to pet an animal.  Usually along his/her shoulders and back are the safest areas.  Stay away from the face, feet, or tail.
  
• Learn a pet’s body language, know what it means, and respect it.
  

Now don't get me wrong, our four-legged friends have to learn too. Hopefully in teaching our children how to interact with our pets, we will prevent the bites that can happen.