Managing the interaction between children and dogs.

1. Don’t expect children to be responsible for pets and show discretion in their handling until they are old enough, usually over 6-8 years of age.{{more}}

2. Teach children to avoid all unknown animals, especially if sick or injured.

3. Teach children not to become physically involved in animal fights; make sure they know to get an adult involved instead.

4. Teach children to be responsible pet owners.

5. Walks: have them accompany adults while they walk the dog on a leash. When children are old enough to walk the dog, initially have adults accompany them to reinforce appropriate behaviours.

6. Involve children in medical care, so that they know and understand the importance of vaccinations etc.

7. Teach children to respect all dogs, especially if the dog is eating, sleeping, eliminating or with puppies.

8. Teach children never to startle, mistreat, or tease a dog.

9. Teach children never to run from a dog or to shout or make barking sounds at a dog, particularly in a fenced yard, an unknown dog or a dog in a car.

10. Teach children not to reach over fences, or into runs, fences, cars, kennels or crates, or to run or ride their bicycles back and forth in front of these locations.

11. Separate dogs and children when particularly tempting food is easily available and when events might be provocative and unpredictable.

12. Monitor children’s interactions with dogs especially if a new child is involved or children or dogs are tired, upset or ill.

For further information, contact: Dr. Collin Boyle
Unique Animal Care Co. Ltd.
Tele: 456 4981
Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com