Teaching Children Dogs Deserve Respect

In the minds of most children dogs are warm furry cuddly companions who love to be hugged.

However, this isn’t always the case. All children need to learn how to treat dogs respectfully and this will help reduce the incidence of dog attacks on children.

Just like children dogs don’t like to be disturbed when they are asleep. If a child takes a dog by surprise, then the dog may bite in fright. Teach your child not to approach a sleeping dog.

If your child wants to pat a strange dog, they must always ask the owner or handler. Some dogs just don’t like strangers and again will bite if approached.

Many youngsters are afraid of dogs and for these children dogs rushing at them is the stuff nightmares are made of. If a dog does rush at your child, teach them to stand very still and not look at the dog in the eyes. If the dog knockes them over, they need to roll into a little ball and be very still.

Teach children dogs really don’t like their tail being pulled, their fur being tugged or being ridden like a horse. If they want to pat a dog, stroke gently under the neck rather than pat the top of the head or back.

If you can demonstrate to your children dogs need to be treated with care, then this will also encourage your child to be kind to them

Dogs and children can learn to live together in harmony with a little bit of training on both parts.