Children and dogs both benefit mentally and physically from a harmonious relationship. Dogs help to develop empathy and social skills in children, as well as build their confidence. It is, however, important to also develop this confidence in our dogs, and prepare them to be around babies and children. Bite prevention is vital, and, therefore, we need to teach our dogs and children how to behave correctly around and with each other.
Contents: Chapter 1: ● Assessing your dog ● Temperament, mood and emotion ● Motivations for biting a child ● Observational skills ● Pre-baby/child assessment
Chapter 2: ● Expecting baby (6 bump-to-baby essentials) ● Build confidence (Exercises 1-4) ● Walkies (Exercise 5) ● Flexible routine ● Avoiding temper tantrums (Exercises 6-10) ● To chew or not to chew? ● Build boundaries (Exercises 11-12)
Chapter 3: ● Introducing the new addition ● Protocol for the first few introductions ● As baby develops
Chapter 4: ● Training toddlers ● Happy dog and angry dog ● Touch by toddlers ● Toddlers respecting the dog's food and/or resources ● Letting a sleeping dog lie
Chapter 5: ● Raising children around dogs ● Children around unfamiliar dogs ● Children around familiar dogs ● Bringing a new dog into the family home ● Ways to get your children involved
● Appendix 1 - Resources for safety around dogs Index
'Babies, Kids and Dogs' will help you to create safe, positive and harmonious relationships between your children and your dog, and allow your dog to relax in the presence of children. Included within are instructional colour photographs, tables to assist with assessing and training your dog, and step-by-step training exercises. Educational illustrations of 'Charlie and Champ' will also help engage your young children, in order to teach them about behaving appropriately when interacting with their canine friends. Throughout the book are ideas to promote safe interactions, and develop lifelong friendships.
