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| answered a question | What are good ways to introduce a dog to children? Dogs react to body language, smells and noises. I try to teach kids at the park who want to pet my dogs to be gentle, pet them in the correct direction, speak softly and to never "run" from a dog and that dogs are MAN's BEST FRIEND FOR A REASON. Most of the time it's the parents who are overreacting or freaking out. Both need to stay calm. It's only a dog who wants love. My one dog carries his ball in his mouth and walks up to children and INVITES them to play with him. He lays down on his belly and rolls the ball to them with his nose or tongue. I tell them that my dog is inviting them to play with him. I ask them, "would you like to throw the ball for him?" They usually do and they love the interaction and it's usually ME dragging my dog away from the kids so I can go home after they play. Parents are a huge part of whether their kids like dogs or not. Ask the parents questions all the time through this encounter. I encounter MORE adults from other countries that are terrified of dogs than I do children. Children are curious and don't have a natural fear of animals. They learn the fear from their parents who have their own personal reasons for why they are frightened. Get to know the parents fears & why. If you are introducing the dog to children in your own family, just do it one child at a time and make it play time. Every dog loves play and food. Have the child give them treats and play with them. Who doesn't love that kind of greeting meeting someone new. Dogs are not different. It's non-threatening and loving. Good luck my friends. |
| commented question | What are good ways to introduce a dog to children? Give the dog ear plugs because he is going to need them! |
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| answered a question | My dog ate popcorn, what should I do? Don't worry. All of my dogs over the years love popcorn and in fact, we play a "hide and seek" popcorn game and that is a highlight in their lives. None of my Cocker Spaniels (both old and young) have ever gotten sick or experienced any negative experience, EVER. In fact, they sell popcorn for dogs at PetsMart, so I don't even know why you are worried unless it wasn't popped. And if it wasn't, it should pass through their system easily. Healthy dogs are much more resilient than humans (in my opinion). Give Rover the popped snack and enjoy his happiness. |