Dogs and Children.

After recently hearing about a two week old baby being killed by a family dog it has caused great concern in my family, as we are animal mad.  And it made me start thinking about the circumstances surrounding dog attacks and animal attacks with children in general.  In the particular circumstance in Perth I understand that the family hadn't intentionally left the dog alone with the baby and it was an unfortunate set of circumstances, but I think many people underestimate animals.

We currently foster dogs that have been rescued from pounds.  These dogs before coming to us, and before being sold to the public undergo a series of testing, this test involves agression testing, food possession, and a child test.  What these tests are supposed to show is whether the dog will attack under a series of circumstances like their tales being pulled, picked up by their bellies, their food being taken off them, and cornering them. 

This is a great test but what it doesn't show is that many of these dogs have been lost, abused or neglected and are therefore afraid, the testing is all performed by adults, with no children in sight, and many dogs don't come out of their shell until the home is stabilised and they know their surroundings.  We have met some really lovely dogs in the rescue work that we do, these dogs get along well with kids and not a problem, but then we have met some that are just not compatible.

And this isn't simply limited to large dogs, many of us hear about or when thinking of dog attacks think of common attack dogs like pit bulls, rottweilers and german shepherds, but let me tell you small dogs are worse, the dog attack just wont normally kill a person, but on a child it can inflict some really nasty injuries.

It is so important to make sure your dog is compatible with children, and that your child is always monitored with the dog.  If you don't have children yet and have a dog, training needs to be done before the baby arrives, socialise your dog with children, if need be take the dog to the park and ask the parents if the kids could pat your dog, if you explain what you are doing most parents will be fine with this.  Make sure that you think like a child, teach your child that you are the boss, and that the food they are eating belongs to you.  Take them to obedience training, if they are jumpers, or biters.  Don't leave a child unattended with a dog at any time.

If you have children but don't have a dog and are thinking of getting one, make sure you educate your children, that ears and tails are not for picking up the dog.  Research the best breeds of dogs, I definately don't suggest a Jack Russell, well known aggressive dogs, Border Collies, Kelpie's, Blue Heelers or Cattle dogs.  The reason for this is that Jack Russell's like to be the boss of anything small, and the working dogs will see children as sheep and without major training and constant training with the dog as they will always try to push the boundaries.

The most important thing about dogs and children is that you are conscious that even the most friendly dog may not behave so friendly one day, so be aware and stay focused, know where your children are and never leave a child unattended with a dog.