On this subject, I would like to take you through the problems that can arise when children and dogs meet. The first thing that you MUST consider is to train your dog, as a well trained dog is far easier to control in any situation. First is the age of the children.
BABY	This is a nervous time for a new mum. A new baby with a treasured family pet, especially a pet who has RULED THE ROOST! can cause problems. As all of a sudden, the dog is not allowed on the furniture or the dog is confined to the kitchen. Attacks on babies are very very rare and as a dog owner you have nothing to fear if you follow a few rules, but these must become Golden Rules.

Don't wait for baby to arrive before you make new rules in the house.
Example, dog not being allowed to sleep upstairs in the bedroom; dog not allowed on the furniture; dog confined to the kitchen.

Start to re-train your dog BEFORE baby arrives and your family pet will already be organised. If you don't want your dog to sleep in your bedroom and you don't want to shut him downstairs, then put his bed outside on the landing. That way he is still upstairs but not in the bedroom. Under no circumstances should a newborn baby be asleep in the bedroom with a dog.

It is a necessity to get OFF the furniture on command but the best idea is not to let him on in the first place. Some dog owners designate one chair as the "dog chair". The main thing is to lay your ground rules before the new arrival takes over you and your dog's life.

BABY COMES HOME
When you bring baby home, make a fuss of your dog and try to act normal. I know of many, many family dog s who have over their lifetime, been involved with up to 5 new babies. Dogs do not attack babies, if anything they will guard the baby from harm, especially if it is a bitch, so please feel safe, just follow the rules.

1. Never leave your baby unattended at any time when you get home.

2. Keep baby CLEAN. Dirty nappies can attract the dog.

3. Do not let the dog get into the habit of thrusting his head into the cot.

4. Never tie your dog to baby's buggy or pram while outside either walking or shopping.

When you arrive home, sit down and let the dog sniff the baby. They will often give the baby a lick and that's it, they belong to them too. If the dog is boisterous, then make sure he is tired first. Make him sit and let him sniff the baby's foot, this stops them jumping onto baby. Your dog should be trained - a well trained dog is far easier as he can be commanded to go down and relax with you and baby.

Dogs that run in and jump all over the furniture have to be STOPPED. Because baby could be laying on the settee as many mothers tend to put baby on the settee, so get him trained.

PROBLEMS WITH NAPPIES.

Always keep baby clean as dogs are attracted to dirty nappies. Bitches in particular can try to clean baby and can get themselves into trouble.

PROBLEMS WITH NAPPIES.

Always keep baby clean as dogs are attracted to dirty nappies. Bitches in particular can try to clean baby and can get themselves into trouble.

CASE HISTORY

Jade was a 6 year old German Shepherd bitch who had had 3 litters of her own. Tracy and Paul owned her with 3 other children. They had not had any previous problems with Jade.

Tracy rang me very very distressed. She had been changing Adam who was 6 months old. He was lying on the floor on a changing mat. She went into the kitchen to get a clean nappy. She heard Adam cry - when she walked back into the lounge, Jade was digging into Adam's tummy.

Luckily Adam was just bruised but there were long claw marks all the way down his chest and tummy. There was no serious harm done, but the nappy was shredded. Jade had never shown any aggressive tendencies before.

On visiting Tracy it was obvious that Jade was a loving companion dog. Jade's strong maternal instincts had got her into trouble. Adam's nappy was fouled and the first thing a bitch with puppies will do is instantly clean up after her puppies and can become very anxious if not allowed to do this. She will instantly wash and clean her puppies. Jade had just reared a litter so her maternal instincts were very very strong.

The problem with Adam was that she couldn't get his nappy off so she was scratching at it and started ripping it off to clean him up. Tracy didn't need much convincing that Jade, after rearing her own puppies and helping to look after the other children hadn't suddenly turned into a dog attacking a baby BUT.... this could have been a terrible, terrible accident. You must never leave a dirty baby unattended on the floor. I am pleased to say that with due care and attention Tracy never had another incident from Jade, so always be aware.

So many times do dogs end up in Rescue, because baby is either on it's way or has arrived. The main reason that is given is that they were worried or they couldn't cope. I tend to be very angry as dogs and babies can get along fine. If the dog is an untrained hooligan, then of course, your baby could be at risk.

When you buy a puppy, you are well aware of the responsibility you are taking on. You also know that, at some time, you are going to start a family - think ahead. Train your puppy or juvenile dog - from there you train the child! The family dog is not a wild animal that suddenly turns killer, and they are not a dirty animal that carries killer diseases, but you do have to consider both the dog and the baby. I have tried to emphasise YOUR responsibilities, and please if you do have any problems or fears, then do not hesitate to email us. © Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice. Training@worldofdogs.cc

CASE HISTORY

Brutus - large German Shepherd dog male, aged 5, not neutered, not brought up with children, 1st child, everything okay until child reached the age of 4. Dog was Obedience trained, suddenly Brutus had at first started to growl when Jason, the little boy was playing in the dining room when mum was in the kitchen. Within 3 days, Brutus was snarling at Jason when Jason went towards him. I instantly went to assess the dog.

Straight away I could see that Brutus was subdued as he had been thoroughly beaten by the husband. Even so, when Jason approached him, he turned his head away growling and when Jason tried to stroke him, he really snarled.

These two had been inseperable, they were the best of mates. I instantly insisted on taking Brutus to the Vet. Brutus had to be muzzled as he wouldn't let the Vet anywhere near his head. He was sedated and x-rayed. The Vet found a piece of Lego rammed so far down the ear that the ear was cut and very badly inflamed. Brutus must have been in the most horrific pain according to the Vet. The Vet x-rayed the whole of his body and found a very small ball bearing rammed right up his nose. This most gentle of dogs had been in so much pain that he was trying to fend Jason OFF. It took an operation to remove the Lego and many new rules were applied. They soon became best mates again. Mum was far more vigilant, she supervised the play. Brutus was given a retreat. His basket was put in the hall and Jason was not allowed to follow him. Mum was surprised at just how often Brutus used his retreat.

So many times over the years have I heard dog owners say "Candy is really good. My child pulls her tail, rides on her back, walks on her and she never complains". I think - Poor Candy. Most dogs will tolerate a clumsy child but to expect her to be a live toy is unacceptable. Teach your child not to ride on your dog's back or to sit on his back. Teach respect. It will be all the same if Candy was an elderly dog suffering from arthiritis, I wonder then what would happen if Candy growled or snapped? Do not take your dog for granted,

My daughter used my German Shepherd bitch called Sadie as her walking aid. Sadie used to stand close to my lovely little girl enabling her to pull herself up and to hold onto her neck. Sadie then used to move forward slowly, teaching my daughter to walk. Her first few steps were taken with the aid of my most beautiful Sadie. As they grew together, wherever my daughter Jannet was, so was my dog Sadie. I went shopping every day and I used to tie Sadie next to the pram. If anyone approached my baby, Sadie would instantly bark and protect her. I was never worried about my child's safety with Sadie being there.

When Jannet reached 3 to 4, they were inseperable. Jannet always went into my kitchen cupboards and would pull everything out and feed her and Sadie the biscuits, she even managed to get around the baby lock, (I am sure with Sadies help).

This particular day, I popped upstairs, came down and oh no, there she stood holding Sadie's collar, laughing at the mess. I started to tell her off. I raised my voice and marched towards her pointing at the mess. I will never forget what happened next. My lovely charming daughter looked at me, held Sadie.s collar prodded her forward and said "Tadie fetch"! And do you know, my Sadie jumped forward barking at ME. Me - her master, me - who fed her. I stopped, my mouth dropped and my daughter laughed and giggled. I moved forward and told her that she was naughty, so she did it again. "Tadie, fetch". Tadie did! She barked at me again. Jannet giggled and laughed. Well, Sadie got the basket and Jannet got the play pen! This happened more than once.

I looked upon them both with love and my dog Sadie with the utmost affection and deep regard. The bond between them lasted all of Sadie's life. She lived long enough to see her "human puppy" grow into a lovely teenager. We will never forget Sadie.

So remember, be careful, respect your dog, teach your child respect and you may be lucky, you may be able to enjoy that very very special bond that can grow between baby and dog, dog and toddler, dog and child and you then, like me will be most fortunate. © Janet Wesley

If you have any problems, email us for advice. Training@worldofdogs.cc

Sudden bites on children are not common, generally. When a bite / nip has occured, the parent has often not seen what caused the dog to bite / nip. Many dogs have lost their lives as parents don't stop to think........

The dog had probably been tormented on a regular basis over a period of time and this happens time and time again......

Luckily as children grow we teach them how to treat their pets and most children do not torment their pets.

I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH WATCH YOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR FRIENDS AT ALL TIMES.

But for the few that do persistently torment their pets, it can become cruelty as the pet is constantly a source of amusement, until the pet defends itself and then the torment can really begin.

As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to make sure your dog is treated with respect at all times by all members of the family.

Children can have the most amazing fun with their dog, but they must abide by guide lines as to what is fun and what would be considered torment.

YOU AS THE PARENT ARE RESPONSIBLE