Wednesday, April 25, 2007

missed signals

Video below:
Notice how the dog moves away from baby? This is a good choice. It is when the baby continues to pursue the dog once he has moved himself and the toy away that a corrective snap might happen.
Notice when baby moves in for a kiss. Buster stops panting, licks his lips and turns away indicating uncertainty and disengaging. He then walks off.
This direct frontal contact between baby and dog is very uncomfortable for many dogs. Babies this age are unsteady and unpredictable.
Notice the tail grabbing! Most dogs will whip their head around and nip at whatever is at the tail. Buster did this several times.
Dogs may TOLERATE things many times before they escalate to a more severe indication of displeasure.
It is up to parents to observe and SUPERVISE all interaction between their child and their dog. Respecting the subtle signals dogs display help to increase safety and harmony.



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