Kids and Pets Safety - Love, is Not Always Enough!
by Colleen Paige

Several times a year we hear about a tragic accident between a child and a family pet. Family pets innocently lull us into a false sense of security because we love and trust them. My own cat, who I rescued at 2 weeks of age, attacked me so brutally when he was a year and a half old that I needed a cast on my arm for 6 weeks. I was simply trying to stop him from aggressively pursuing another cat and he turned his wrath on me. Prior to this, he had been an absolute sweetheart.

Because animals can be so unpredictable, never allow an unattended baby or young child to be around your, or anyone else’s dog, period. Even if the dog has never behaved in an aggressive, territorial, or dominant manner, you certainly don't want your child to be the impetus for him to start this kind of behavior. Children innocently pull on ears and tails, pick up dog toys and approach eating and sleeping dogs without caution. Most attacks on children are committed by dogs and cats that are otherwise gentle and non-aggressive. However, when they are eating, sleeping, irritated or in pain, they can lash out and, within seconds, cause permanent and sometimes fatal injuries. A jealous, dominant dog may wait until he is alone with the child to show her that he’s the pack leader. His attempt to simply the child in his place, can result in major injury or death.

If properly taught by a parent, a child as young as eight years old can establish a respect-based relationship with his dog. Still, because there is so much room for error when children are involved, a parent must always be present. At some point, every dog, regardless of breed or age, will try to challenge its owner. This is normal for dogs, and occurs during canine adolescence, between seven and fourteen months of age. To be safe, hire a professional if you are concerned in the least about the relationship between your child and pet. You could stave off a serious injury... or worse.

Child Safety Tips

Never leave children unsupervised around dogs.
Teach your children to ask a dog owner if it’s OK to pet the dog.
Teach your children to pet a dog under their chin and not by reaching over his back or head.
When children are young, guide their hands, showing them where to pet the dog, so they learn to touch him gently.
Teach them never to run at a dog or pull its tail or ears.
Remind them that animals hurt, too, and to be careful when they are playing near the dog.

Photo - Tom Sadowski

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