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Social pressures of parents, tots and dogs.
(Photo on left) This is an image of one of my most loved dogs and my two sons. notice the left paw lifted and her “cleaning” my son’s face to make him MOVE away. This is not a “kiss” bur rather a lick that says…step away please and give me space…too crowded. I share my thoughts of some of the conflicts I am faced with while having a toddler and visiting friends with dogs. How would you feel if you were out with your dog and a toddler wanted to pet your dog and the parent encouraged the child not to? Would you feel they rejected you or your dog? What makes people do what they do?
Check the podcast here! Social pressures of parents, tots and dogs.
To inquire about a licensed presenter in your area visit http://www.dogsandstorks.com
Elmo and dog
I stumbled across this as I was looking for elmo videos for my 2 year old. This was too good to pass up a discussion on.
Here ia a dog who is presented with something unfamiliar. This unfamiliar object wiggles, unpredictably and makes foreign noises. Kind of like a baby? As you watch the dog begins to explore this novel object. In fact it is encouraged to do so.
Notice how the dog investigates Elmo. At first a bit timid, not sure. Then when there is no guidance or direction of what to do….the dog becomes bolder. The unpredictability and spontaneous motions of the elmo keep the dog’s interest level high. As the dog receives no direction and becomes more interested the behaviors increase in intensity the dog begins backing up stiffening and barking. Funny huh?
Ok, now ….what happens when a toddler giggles or wiggles on the floor? What has the dog learned to do? What about a baby? If the dog acted this way….as it naturally may then we would NOT think of it as funny. We often lead our dogs down confusing paths. We expect them to “know” what is right and wrong but when we egg them on in some circumstances and get upset in others it can be confusing and dangerous.
Why is it funny to create fear? Many of these dogs with the tickle me elmos are like dogs I see with newborns. Fearful and unsure and needing guidance vs. encouragement to “get it” or no help at all. i know people find this funny but…..what does it teach your dog about small moving unpredictable noisy creatures?
This is a great example of dog’s investigating novel things and how they do it. Many people think it is funny ….until it is a newborn or toddler.
In the video below the dog actually “guards” elmo from the person. Again, high arousal being encouraged. What if a child were rolling around in the yard? Would we think this funny? Then it would not be appropriate but the dog really is acting like a dog. Many dogs are fearful or unsure of small children and babies for the same reasons they are to this elmo doll. We need to guide and teach them what is appropriate vs. encourage what is unsafe towards children.
One of the things I believe strongly in is teaching dogs what we DO want them to do and also how to relax and accept new experiences. Here is a good blog about the “Look at that game”
I also believe that by not encouraging “get it, attack etc” kind of behavior and replacing it with calm and redirecting behavior is great. Positive exposure with appropriate guidance is key when working with dogs that might be reactive to such things. This blog was really to illustrate how a dog can escalate when they do not have the guidance of their person to direct them. Again, relating to a dog left alone with small unfamiliar baby in a bouncer low to the floor or on a playmat. This is a perfect example of dog’s being dogs. Exploring as dog, investigating and experiencing as dogs.
I use this as a “normal” example of dog behavior and relate it to incidents where a baby is unattended and a dog has access and is left to handle things on their own. Sadly this is seen too often and this is an example of how easily it can happen.
I propose….respect dogs week!
With this week being Dog Bite prevention week we will all be seeing stats and reports that are meant to stir up our emotions and fear. Originally this week was meant to be “prevention” but lately seems to have lost its focus. Here is what I would like to see vs. dog bite prevention week….how about “dog respect and awareness week?” Or “become dog smart week” So many possibilities with a poitive spin. It will never happen but…I can dream right? Not eye catching enough but.. Actually Doggone Safe has made a HUGE effort with the International dog bite prevention education challenge! This is intended to empower and educate kids vs. create fear! hope we see more of this each year!
Dog bites do happen but it is not as unpredictable as the media would like you to fear. Fear and drama works to and keep you reading.and tuning in. So, enough about my opinion on that…here is what I know to be true.
So many adults approach a dog because “they are dog people” or “all dogs love them” or “they want to help the poor thing.” And this example of not respecting a dog is ADULTS. Putting their needs before the dog’s comfort and stress.
If a dog is indicating stress and fear…..RESPECT IT AND LEAVE IT BE!
If people choose to engage despite what the dog is indicating…the dog may become more threatened and react with stronger signaling (such as freezing, whale eye, growling, showing teeth ) other dogs would understand and would respond appropriately to. However, since you are not a dog you may miss these signals and most likely get a more serious reaction or a bite. This is often a death sentence for way too many dogs. Dogs dialogue with body language and it is an exchange. We do not communicate in the same way (thank goodness) and often misread their cues and meanings.
So why do some people need to have their egos stroked by pushing dogs to their limits? What does this accomplish? Is it ok to bully your dog because he can’t use words to tell you to stop it!?!
This is NOT unprovoked or unpredicted….it was caused by a history of basic body language signals not working and being ignored and now the dog no longer offers them to indicate stress or warning. So sad but I see this alot with highly intelligent and successful adults.Or just tune into your local news at 5pm (don’t want you to loose sleep at 11pm) and then you tell me who we should fear! Just a thought.
****I want to be very clear that I continue to grow and learn every day with every interaction with our 4 legged friends. I am embarrassed at some of what I used to do and am proud to know that now I know better and hope that you too will be inspired to learn the wonderful language of dogs and enhance your relationship!”**
Parent education…gone to the dogs. WEBINARS
Great resource for rescues and new parents! We offer individual and series webinars by professionals for new parents when they need it. Our goal is always consistent, personal and accessible information! This is great for new parents or as a shower gift. Your dogs will thank you for being aware and making your life and their’s comfortable by smoothing out this transition.
To inquire about a licensed presenter in your area visit http://www.dogsandstorks.com
Live chat beginning! 9pmET wednesday may 11
http://www.animalcafe.co/chat-cafe/
To inquire about a licensed presenter in your area visit http://www.dogsandstorks.com
New Interview loaded with information!
Listen in as I discuss many topics related to dogs and babies and our Family Paws™ Parent Education Programs Enjoy! Podcast with http://www.animalcafe.co/
Puppy love!
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I loved having the pups at our home and observing and learning while enjoying their puppy antics. However, some of the puppy behavior and needs were more than my children appreciated. Helping with puppy feeding or cleaning up was a challenge with share claws and teething razor sharp teeth. We had to make it so the kids could help and not be injured by these cuties. Here are some of the things we did to help with keeping the kids and puppies happy!
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Many dog professionals, myself included offer companion selection support and temperament evaluation services to help support families in finding the right match.
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