Children & Pet Safety

Children and Pets: Safety Tips

By Dr. Karen Burgess

Newborn

• Place dog in crate and make it a positive experience. Place a bone or favorite chew toy in with the dog
• Brush up on obedience skills- use lots of food as rewards
• Have the dog become accustom to varied feeding and walking schedules (as times will be hectic with a newborn)
• Place a blanket the baby was using with the dog and allow to investigate
• Bring the baby around only while the dog is calm- otherwise crate the dog with that favorite chew toy or bone
• Make sure all experiences the dog has around the baby are positive

Toddler

• Do not allow toddler around the dog while eating or sleeping
• Dog crate or dog bed is off limits
• Reward the dog with treats for being calm around the toddler<.li>
• Recognize warning signs and place the dog in his safe spot before he gets to the point of snapping or growling

School-Age Children

• Have the children become involved in the daily pet chores
• Children should learn to stand still if the family dog is too frisky or any dog scares them
• Teach children to avoid strange dogs and strangers with dogs
• Clicker training with children is both great for the children and the pets. Even a child as young as three can learn to help with clicker training.

Bite Prevention

• Youtube video
• Teach children how to protect themselves with an overexcited pet by:
  • Rolling into a ball
  • Protecting hands and face
  • Calling for help
  • D0 not run and scream