Children, especially younger ones, may be unaware of the danger dogs can pose. It is important to assist them and properly start their canine relationship on the right paw. Here are some tips if you plan on bringing a dog home to your Thomson Reserve condo.
The Right Age
This depends on the dog and child. Older dogs can be more grumpy and sometimes more easily triggered. A kid who is 8 and below is usually not recommended for living with dogs, as they can pull tails or stomp on the dog’s feet out of curiosity. However, if you try making younger children compatible, make sure to restate the rules every so often and always supervise when they’re playing together.
The Proper Mindset
Make your children understand that dogs are not toys, and time spent should be done carefully at first, while keeping it fun. Keep reminding them every day until their minds assume this whenever they meet dogs to ensure safety and avoid accidents.
Danger Points to Consider
Inform your children of the sensitive parts in dogs, which consist of their tail, feet, and face. Tell them their natural reaction, which includes biting and shouting. To avoid unwanted scenarios, they mustn’t run around recklessly to avoid stepping on a dog, slipping on pee, and more. Teach them not to taunt dogs, as this can cause accidental bites or scratches.
Always Keep Safety in Mind
Keeping a temporary muzzle on a dog can be helpful. Don’t use the muzzle for too long, as it may put the dog in discomfort or stress mode. Also, feed the dog before interacting to make them full and minimize aggressive behaviour. Lastly, have them meet when they are fully awake and not too energetic. Waking up a sleeping dog might sound like a good idea, but it isn’t; the dog may be disturbed and bite.