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Expectations

It is unrealistic to expect a child, regardless of age, to be the primary caretaker and have sole responsibility for caring for a dog. Not only do dogs need basic things like food, water and shelter, they also need to be played with, exercised and trained on a consistent basis. Teaching a dog the rules of the house and helping it become a good companion animal is too overwhelming a task for a young child. While responsible teen-agers may be up to the job, they may not be as interested in the family pet, as their own social need to be with their friends usually takes over at this age. Parents who are obtaining a dog "for the kids" or "to be our son's/daughter's dog" MUST be willing and prepared to be the dog's primary caretaker. Caring for a dog can be something that parents and children do TOGETHER.

Kids and dogs are not automatically going to start off with a wonderful relationship. These are two different species, and neither really understands the behavior and the needs of the other. Parents must be willing to teach both the dog and the children acceptable limits of behavior with each other.

Common Problems

The normal behaviors of children often present problems for dogs, and vice versa. Children move with quick, jerky movements, have high-pitched voices, and they often run rather than walk. All of these behaviors somewhat resemble the behavior of animals that wild canids (the dog's ancestors) prey upon. Almost all play behaviors in the dog are based on predatory behavior. Consequently dogs often react to these behaviors by chasing the children, nipping at their heels, jumping up at them, even trying to knock them down. While all the behaviors described are normal play behaviors for both kids and dogs, they can result in problems. Both your children and your dog will need lots of help and supervision from you so they can all learn how to behave around one another. An approach that is not helpful is to do nothing but punish the dog for his behavior. If he learns that being around children always results in "bad things" happening to him, he may become defensive in their presence. At first, children may need to play quietly around the dog until he becomes more comfortable and calm and the children have gained more control over the dog. The dog must also learn that certain behaviors on his part are unacceptable, but he must also be taught what behaviors are the right ones. An obedience class may be helpful.

Children often want to hug the dog around the neck. The dog may view this as a threatening gesture rather than an affectionate one. In reaction, a dog may growl, snap or bite. To reduce such risks, a child should pet the dog from underneath his chin rather than hugging him or reaching over his head, should not stare at or look him directly in the eye, and should turn the side of her body toward the dog rather than facing him.

Dogs can be possessive about their food, toys, and space. Although it is normal for a dog to growl or snap to protect these items, it is NEVER acceptable. At the same time, children need to learn to respect their dog as a living creature that is not to be teased or purposefully hurt, and that needs time to himself. He is not a plaything that should always be available to them. If a dog is growling or snapping at children for any reason, the situation needs IMMEDIATE attention. Just punishing the dog is likely to make matters worse.

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