What Are Safe Behaviors Between Children and Dogs?
In our membership site, www.BehaviorEducationNetwork.com, (BEN) we’ve recently posted a few videos of interactions between dogs and kids and between dogs, given our analysis of them, and asked for member comments.
These videos have generated a bit of discussion, plus submission of other videos members want our comments on. In addition, we recently conducted a 90 minute webinar “Developing Safe Relationships Between Children and Dogs” for our members and the attendees at our recent workshop in Canada for PABA. (the recordings of these lectures will soon be posted in BEN).
It’s common knowledge that children are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Based on recent research part of the reason for this may be the lack of knowledge about dog behavior and what constitutes safe interactions between children and dogs. This is also born out by what we see on You Tube.
Before showing several troublesome videos, consider the research – most people (53%) agree that dogs should tolerate petting by unfamiliar children and that if an unfamiliar child tried to pet their dog and the dog moved away 45% of people would hold their dog still so the child could pet it. Even scarier is that 82% of people felt it was safe for children to hug and kiss their dogs. This research was conducted by Dr. Ilana Reisner, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania. You can read the abstract here.
Dogs most often have trouble with children because they are afraid or anxious about their behaviors. While we stress the importance of constant, parental supervision of ALL interactions between children and dogs, after perusing You Tube, we’re beginning to wonder how much supervision matters if it allows – or even facilitates – unsafe interactions between children and dogs.
The videos definitely have a “cute” factor. Both the dogs and the children seem to be playing, yet it’s important to look closer. It’s clear in 2 of the videos that the dog is uncomfortable and uncertain part of the time. Can you tell when and in which video? In all the videos there are numerous times when the dog and the child are in face-to-face contact with each other. Is it any wonder why most bites to young children are in the face?
The comments on You Tube about the videos are all of the “ooh and ahh, isn’t this heart warming” variety. And we know from experience that adding a comment that says otherwise will bring instant angry retorts. However, if any of these dogs bites the children – guess who will be blamed, will likely lose their home, be labeled as “dominant” and may even lose their life?
From the videos all the dogs appear to be friendly, nice dogs. But every one of them – not to mention the children – are being put in risky situations that could take a dramatic turn for the worst in the blink of an eye. The Sheltie’s “kiss” can easily turn into a nip, the shepherd mix that is already uncomfortable (oops gave that one away) could take exception to the child being near what is now “his” possession, and the black dog looks as if she’s getting tired of competing with the child for the laser light (which on its own is another problem for another article).
The key is education. Research also shows that when children are educated about dog behavior, they make better choices when interacting with dogs (British Medical Journal 2000; 320:1512-1513). It’s time for similar education and research to be conducted with parents. We’ve taught “Preparing Your Dog for your Baby” classes at local hospitals for the last 7 years and have produced a DVD for expectant parents based on that class, as well as a teaching package for professionals who’d like to start similar classes. They are available on website – HERE – AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com
Now – watch the videos, and see what YOU think!
Is a laser light really an appropriate toy for either a child or a dog? Consider why the dog leaves the room for a bit. Do we really want to encourage a child and a dog to compete for a "toy"?
The dog yawns, moves away from the child, and grabs the plastic bag. Are any of these behaviors of concern?
The Sheltie is clearly playing, but how easily he could knock the child over, miscalculate the intensity of his "kiss" resulting in a "nip" to the face.
8 Responses to “What Are Safe Behaviors Between Children and Dogs?”
Suz and Dan
All we can do is our best, and even if just one person listens and a bite is prevented, that’s a good thing.
Suzanne and Dan
Wendy Tomkins
Along with Laurie I also get "heat" when i side with dog and try to help owners realise how much stress they are inadvertantly putting on their pooches – Kill joy is the term I get quite a lot but if we perservere hopefully one day it may just sink in before a bite occurs.
Suz and Dan
Dear Bev – Not sure I understand your question fully. The point we were trying to make is that people inadvertently create risky interactions between their dogs and children, because they are not as well informed about canine behavior as they need to be. The additional information you inquire about would be nice to have – just out of curiosity – but isn’t really relevant to our point.
We agree – the plastic bag toy was a bad idea on the owner’s part, as was the laser light, as we pointed out.
Suzanne
Suz and Dan
You are so right Debbie – sadly
Suzanne and Dan
Bev Johnson
I'd be interested in knowing if these were male or female dogs that were participating in these videos and wether the dogs were playing in the morning or evening, before or after feeding, and if the dogs were in a closed room or had other ways of leaving. All visual examples of lessons will probably be remembered by those seeking information about dog behavior with their very young children… please try to use examples that would be very diligent in SAFE examples… the plastic bag "toy" was a very BAD idea!
Debbie Jacobs
From 'funny' small dogs growling and snapping at the video camera to these 'heart warming' encounters Youtube is full of videos that show that despite all the years humans and dogs have co-existed, how inept most of us are at understanding their behaviors.
Suz and Dan
Hi Laurie – it’s unfortunate that sometimes people aren’t ready to hear an educational message until something unpleasant has happened. That’s why we stopped bringing up the “other side” of the coin in comments on You Tube – very folks wanted to hear there could be a downside to these “cute” baby and dog interactions. But we all need to keep up with the education – research shows it can make a difference!
Suzanne and Dan
Laurie Luck, KPA CTP
Excellent article along with video that (I hope) helps parents and dog owners realize that what looks cute can actually be cause for concern. It's true that ignorance is bliss – many people just don't recognize the signals a dog is giving or how quickly fun can turn into something that can get the dog — and the kid — in trouble.
Unfortunately, I've gotten a little bit of heat for being too "serious" about some of these videos when I try to point out the danger zones. But I'll be the one who gets the call when their dog bites "without warning." A dog trainer's job is never done. Education, education, education. Thanks for bringing up an important subject.