We have got to Saturday, the children are off school and the routine has changed for everyone including your dog.
With the excitement of no school, children can forget some basic but very important points regarding respecting dogs, and helping the dog know they are safe and understood by the children.
One key point is to give the dog space, time and respect to eat and sleep.
Never touch a dog whilst they are having their food prepared, eating, chewing a bone or sleeping.
Your child may see no harm in doing this, but it is not funny or cute. Imagine if someone tried to hug you while you were eating your food or having a nap. Your initial reaction would be defensive, irritation and then potentially a verbal reaction.
Remember: If a dog looks stiff like a statue, lowers the head, tries to turn away or shows their teeth, the child must move away slowly.
If the dog is asleep, and is touched, stroked or cuddled then it could startle and react – that is not the dog’s fault!
If children can be polite around dogs, it makes them feel safe and happier to be around them. It does not need to be a direct interaction between the two, and depending on age the children can be encouraged to do different polite and respectful activities with and around them.
#helpathanddogbehaviour#Dogs#childrenanddogs#respect#lovedogs#understandyourdog#knowledge#ThinkAhead
