Question
1: I think my dog is jealous of my new baby. It gets all pushy and wants me to pet it
when I’m feeding the baby. Question
2: Our 1 1/2 year old child is starting to yell "Shut up" and "Bad
dog" at our dog. I don’t like it, but I can’t think what to do. I have to
discipline the dog (Figure 16). Question
3: Is it better to buy a puppy for our small children or an older dog? A male or
female? Question
4: How can I make my dog like children and not be afraid of them? Question
5: I’ve always told my children to leave our dog alone when it’s eating. Question
6: I got a dog for my baby. It’s a really good dog and very protective of the
baby––it stands over her and won’t let people come near. Question
7: I’ve never taken my dog around young children. What is the least traumatic way
to introduce them into his life? Question
8: I have an Australian shepherd that nips at my children’s heels and clothes
when they run and play. I don’t like it, even though he’s not hurting them. Question
9: My dog is big and rough and my children can’t effectively discipline him. What
can I do to make the dog respect them?
Answer: Remember, you are the one the child is imitating.
Make a recording for a couple of hours one day while you’re with the dog, then listen
to yourself. We tend to say a lot of negative things to the dog, thinking that if we sound
angry enough the dog will behave. Consequently, small children begin to think that’s
the way you should talk to animals. It is better to talk happy all the time and
consistently correct the dog for any unacceptable actions, with no hard feelings.
Answer: I like to get an adult dog that has been around
children. It is so much easier than trying to train puppies and children at the same time.
This lets you devote more time to your children’s behavior around the dog. Sometimes
a young pup is so rough, it makes the children afraid of dogs. Little teeth can make big
scars on faces.
