“Holding” Dogs For Children to Pet
The director of the organization Suzanne volunteers for once each month was telling her that another volunteer – we’ll call her Jane – had recently adopted a dog from a local animal shelter. The director – “Ann” – and her two young boys – one around 7 years old, the other between 2 and 3, had visited Jane shortly after Jane acquired the dog. Ann was describing how Jane “held” the dog so the kids could pet him. The dog was husky size, so “holding” probably meant restraining the dog by the chest or collar.
This is probably the worst possible way for a dog to meet two young unfamiliar children. We know that dogs most often bite children because they are fearful or anxious around them. When a dog owner or parent restrains the dog for petting, the dog cannot escape or avoid the children should he feel the need to do so. When escape is impossible, it’s common for dogs to become threatening or aggressive in an attempt to put distance between themselves and the children.
This illustrates what current research has uncovered – people are not very knowledgeable about what constitutes safe interactions between children and dogs. In our recent webinar, “Developing Safe Relationships between Dogs and Children” we described research results from Dr. Ilana Reisner, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania. Relevant to this discussion, Dr. Reisner found most dog owners and parents surveyed thought dogs should tolerate petting from unfamiliar children. This is a dangerous belief.
Rather than holding dogs still for children to approach and pet, the situation should be reversed. A child should be told to stand quietly while a dog approaches. If the dog is reluctant to approach the child, it is a clear signal the dog isn’t comfortable with the child and interaction between the two should not be forced.
Instead, as the child stands still, she can drop tidbits or gently toss them in the dog’s direction, to entice the dog to approach with a trail of treats. There is no need, and in fact we do not recommend, holding a hand out to the dog. Both children and adults should keep their hands and arms close to their bodies, palm up and open as the dog nears. If the dog touches the hand, then it may be safe for the child to gently scratch the dog under the chin. For first time greetings between unfamiliar individuals, that should be sufficient interaction to start.
This introduction scenario is much safer because the dog is making the choice as to whether he wants to approach the child, rather than being forced to allow something he isn’t comfortable with as the owner "holds" him.
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4 Responses to ““Holding” Dogs For Children to Pet”
Introducing Children To Your Dog – The Right Way! | Bayou Rescue
[...] dog and perhaps, eventually, the dog will become at ease with the child. The article from Animal Behavior Associates alerts people to the danger of holding a dog so that unfamiliar children can come up to the dog to [...]
“Holding” Dogs For Children to Pet « Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center's Blog
[...] Information from: http://animalbehaviorassociates.com/blog/304/human-animal-bond/safety-between-children-and-dogs/hold... [...]
Suz and Dan
Perhaps we weren’t as clear as we could have been. Allowing the dog to approach doesn’t mean off-leash, but we should have specifically stated that. We envision an owner walking their dog toward the child. If you know already that your dog is not good with children then this would NOT be an appropriate thing to do. We were talking about dogs that have no history of biting children as yours does.
At the same time, given what you’ve said about your dog it would also NOT be a good idea for you to put your dog in a sit-stay, and or restrain him while a child approached. Leash control is important but forcing your dog to sit and not budge could creat more problems – you’d likely not be able to effectively do that anyway.
Don’t know what “reactive” means – that seems to be a popular word in the training community these days. If your dog is being aggressive then he is reacting to certain stimuli so the additional descriptor seems unnecessary. Good luck with working with him, and as you already know, the safety of children is most important.
hfnicholson
Perhaps a varient is required for readers, I have a rescue under going training and socialization and is both reactive and aggressive. He is a bully and must always be on a leash when around children, no ifs ands or buts! If I took your advice my dog would approach a child and bully them with scare tactics. If they moved he'd grab them by the pant leg providing they have pant legs if not it would be the skin of the shin.