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Child's Play
Kids and their Dogs by Marilyn Anderson It is said that in spring a young man's fancy turns to thoughts of love. As the school year ends, the fancy of many children turns to thoughts of a dog friend to love. Children and dogs do just seem to belong together, and it is a fortunate child indeed who shares growing-up years with a canine companion. Parents, though, must realize that they will bear the ultimate responsibility for the dog and be the primary caregiver. Whatever the age of the child, it is in the best interest of the dog when parents take the lead and teach their children by example to share concern and responsibility for the dog. Caring for the dog should always be a voluntary, positive experience. It would be unfair to ever threaten to "get rid of" a dog because of a child's natural forgetfulness when caring for him. By simply being the best possible caregiver for the dog, a parent sets and important example for the child to emulate-even if not immediately, then at some point in that child's future.
A dog won't respond to everyone in the family in the same way. Remember, dogs are pack animals and relate to the pack in terms of hierarchy. The person who is the most consistent and who does most of the training will get the most respect and the best results from the dog. A child will not usually get the same respect as an adult. The dog will enjoy the child and want to be with the child, but a child cannot be expected to assume full responsibility. With the encouragement and backup of a parent or other adult, a child can share many of the responsibilities
of caring for and training a dog. The dog will learn to listen to whomever is consistent, patient, and fair.
Children do not always control their temper. A child who becomes angry or frustrated and strikes out at a dog could be seriously hurt. Dogs react. They can't go to the boss and register a complaint. It is critical for adults to teach children to be kind, patient, and respectful of all dogs. Children between the ages of two and five seem to cause most of the problems dog guardian families encounter. Dogs see children as littermates, to be corrected in much the same way they would deal with feisty siblings. Besides being naturally curious, toddlers tend to poke eyes, pull tails, take away toys, and put hands into doggie food bowls. They also strike out when they feel anger. A dog has one way to respond to pain-with his teeth. An adult dog would expect a sign of submission (drop to the ground, roll over, expose belly) from a littermate, but from a child he gets a different reaction-struggle, scream, run-which only serves to make the dog more intent on obtaining that submission. After all that screaming and running, the dog is now in serious trouble: he is seen to have bitten the child "for no reason." Too often I have heard parent tell me that they wanted a do who "will let the kids do anything to him", and I cannot help but wonder why anyone would ever teach a child that this was an acceptable way to treat any creature! A dog is a playmate, not a plaything. To ensure harmony in the home and safety for both the child and the dog, they should be in separate areas when they are not under your direct supervision. Teach kindness, patience,
and mutual trust. Every day set aside quiet time for child and dog. During this time, they simply sit together on the floor (5-10 minutes for very young children; up to 15-20 minutes for older children if they can sit quietly without becoming antsy). Petting and games are not necessary. Talking is okay, but the object lesson is simply to be together for no other reason than to share some time.
The smallest child can be taught the right way to pet a dog. Cover the child's hand with your own as you gently stroke the dog with the dog enjoys being touched. Explain the pain a dog feels when his tail or ears are pulled, or when he is hit by a hand or by an object, and that no one should ever poke at a dog's eye. Also, a child should never pick up or carry the dog. Instead show how a willing puppy or small dog can be held in the child's lap while sitting on the floor.
Dogs, just like people, learn things at different rates. They are not all alike. Some are quicker to learn than others and, yes, some can be a little stubborn. But every dog can learn. It depends on the patience and perseverance of the trainer-whatever his or her age. In fact, children often are very successful teaching dogs because they tend to make learning (especially tricks) more fun than grownups do. An important lesson in patience for a child is to understand that a dog can seem to know something one day and forget it the next.
Children 8 years and older can accompany a parent or adult to dog obedience classes. Always be sure that the dog has learned one command really well before beginning to teach a new command. If you try too many new things too rapidly, you'll confuse your dog. Set aside a little time ever day to practice things you want your dog to remember on command.
Most dogs learn to love the children in their family, but may be less tolerant of other children. Never assume that other children have had the advantage of learning the kindness and patience you have taught your own. Always have an adult on hand to supervise any children's games that include the dog or where the dog is present. Children learn through the examples adults provide them. What your child observes is what you will see reproduced in the relationship between child and dog. Having a dog for a friend is one of the most wonderful experiences of childhood and adulthood!
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