Continuing Tips for Baby/Toddler and Pet Safety

I’d like to continue the discussion on ways to keep your baby and young child safe when it comes to the family dog.  As a Family Paws Parent Educator, I am dedicated to promoting the safest scenario possible between pet and child.  My goal is to not only prevent bites from happening, but to ensure that both child and pet have a great bond and live in harmony.

The in which he/she can settle down without the worry of being bothered.  Everyone needs some “alone” time and dogs are no exception.  They need a place to freely sleep, eat, chew on a bone, etc.  Safety Zones provide that piece of mind for the dog as well as for the parent.  Fido is safe and your toddler can’t get in near the dog without your help. 

Continuing the discussion on proper management, the No. 1 rule in your household should be: Never leave your baby or toddler alone with your dog.

Although this sounds cliché, it needs to be taken seriously.  I have had many clients declare that their dog would never bite.  My response is “Can you promise me that you would never hit anyone?”  My point being that while most people don’t go around hitting people ... no one can make that promise because we don’t know the circumstance that would put us in that position. The same can be said of dogs.  We all have our breaking point ... dogs do as well.  It is naive to assume that your dog will never have a bad day, always tolerate whatever is done to him , never get stressed, or never react to stimulating movement or sounds. The risk is too great. No child should be at risk of a bite. 

Always take your baby/toddler with you or put your dog in his “safety zone”. 

Remember that management doesn’t stop in the house. Management needs to take place outside as well.  It is a great idea to have the children with you when playing outside with your dog as it is important that your dog associates great things happening when the kids are around.  Tossing the ball, hunting food and trick training are all fun activities that can be experienced with the kids around. You will need to direct the play outside,meaning…show your toddler how to play appropriately with your dog. Make sure you are 100% alert when engaged in this activity.

Bonus: This is a great time saver because you can wear out your dog and the kids at the same time!

Although life with kids and pets is exhausting ... with a little foresight and management ... it can be wonderful!