Education!

Baby safety education vs. dog mauling headlines!

Wonderful wonderful story!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91769901&sc=emaf

Does the dog ask for more attention?

Too often we focus on what we want and ot what our animals are communicating they want or like. It is important to respect a dog if they choose to walk away from you even if you are not done petting them. Taking a moment to see if they "ask for more" allows the dog an "out" if they wish to disengage. Respect what they choose. I encourage kids to do this by petting the dog gently for a short period of time and then moving your hand away and seeing if they move into you or if they choose to walk away or go elsewhere. Usually the choice is clear.

Tethering can help.

Tethering can help to keep an eager dog from jumping while working with children. This way a child can reinforce the dog for sitting nicely and ignore the atempt to jump up. http://www.baddogsinc.com/pettethers.html

baby playing with dog (from you tube)

Just because a dog tolerates something does it make it right? Is it ok for us to push our dogs to a point that we know they are being challenged or uncomfortable? I do not believe this is fair or acceptable. It is our responsibility as parents to be sure to set both our children and dogs up for success and safety. If we challenge the tolerance of our dogs routinely in this way we are only pushing limits. We are also not encouraging appropriate interaction between dog and baby.

Beautiful example of subtle communication

These photos are a great sequence of subtle signs indicating pleasure and displeasure by the German Shepherdish dog (Carin)
Photo 1. Bailey (Sibe) is enjoying attention from Andrew when Carin decides she wants some too.
Photo 2.Carin sits politely next to Andrew and Bailey hoping for attention from ANDREW.
Photo 3. Kayleigh joins the photo and offers carin an ear scratch. Notice Carin's look on her face? Closed mouth, serious eyes. Carin does not want the attention from Kayleigh.
Photo 4 Kayleigh walks away and Carin is back to relaxed and enjoying Andrew's attention once again.

We wish you Happy Holidays!

This is our first Chrsitmas with this special boy! Duke is a foster that has been with our family since March. He is 5 years old and has been a pleasure to foster!