Dogs and children – how they become a dream team

As parents, we are responsible for our children and for teaching them how to behave around dogs. This may be with our own dog at home, or simply when they come into contact with other dogs. The most important thing is always the safety of everyone involved. Here are a few tips to help you as parents:

• Never approach a dog without asking first—even if it looks friendly. Dogs are sometimes frightened by strangers and may react defensively or aggressively because the child reminds them of something negative. Some dogs simply don't like children because they find them too boisterous and pushy. So always ask before allowing your child to pet a dog!
• Treat the dog as you would like to be treated yourself: no dog likes having its ears pulled or its fur tugged. Kicking or similar physical assaults are also strictly prohibited. Yelling at the dog, locking it away, or otherwise punishing it should also be off limits.
• Do not make threatening gestures toward the dog. Please refrain from anything that a dog could perceive as a threat. Do not stare directly into its eyes, as it may interpret this as a "challenge." Dogs that want to establish their hierarchy often stare into each other's eyes before a fight. If one of the two is significantly weaker than the other, it will turn away and avoid the gaze of the stronger dog. Explain this type of communication to your child so that this situation does not arise in the first place.
• Never take food away from a dog or disturb it while it is eating. Under no circumstances should a child disturb a dog while it is eating or take its chew bone away for fun. The instinct to fight for food is deeply ingrained in our four-legged friends. For them, it is not a game and the situation could quickly escalate.
• Your child should never intervene when dogs are fighting. If dogs are fighting, children should never try to separate them. Sometimes dogs play at first and suddenly a serious fight breaks out. This sounds bad and looks dangerous. The best thing for children to do is to get an adult to help, who must be very smart and careful when separating the quarrelling dogs.
• Teach your child that a dog is a living creature with needs and its own character. Every dog is different, just like us humans. It is important to wait and see how a dog is feeling each time you encounter it, even if it is the same dog. Explain to your child that it is important to approach the animal carefully and treat it with respect at all times.
• Dogs also need a place to retreat to and time to relax. Explain to your child that dogs also need a break from playing and that when they retreat to their basket, they should not be disturbed. This place should be a safe place for your dog where they can relax.

Of course, there are not only the basic rules mentioned above that parents should teach their children; there are also tips and rules for children who are directly involved with a furry friend.

• Help should always be close at hand. It is important that an adult is nearby and ready to call if a child is playing with the dog, romping around in the garden, or even cuddling.
• Beware of dog teeth: When playing, the dog's teeth should be kept as far away from the child's face or other body parts as possible. Play activities where the child does not come anywhere near the teeth are best. Even the sweetest dog can accidentally grab a child's hand when snapping at a ball.
• No playing with the dog's tail! A dog's tail is an indicator of its mood. Parents and children can tell how the dog is feeling by the position of its tail. If it wags its tail, it is happy. If its tail is tucked in, it is afraid, anxious, or uncomfortable. The dog does not like it when children pull on its tail or step on it.
• Do not run away from a dog. The dog's instinct will cause it to chase after you, and it is obvious that it is faster than a child. Even if you are very afraid, slow, calm movements and a lowered gaze are the best solution in a tense situation.