Good, link but kids most likely need it more simple with good examples of "feeling" in the dog. Like - "Staring at a dog makes him FEEL uncomfortable. He could bite you because he is nervous."
Or "Dogs feel trapped when you hug them and they will bite you to get you off of them." Then give an alternate action such as smooth petting on the back, or telling the dog how much you care instead.
Go all touchy-feely like the school counselors do- at least that has worked for mine so far (We'll see when they interact the new guy!)
And with the "always ask the owners" - mine are required to ask me first and I say no 9x out of 10. Puppies usually get the yes if I have correctly read the owner's language that says "look at my cute puppy! I want it to love everyone and approach everything. Come pet it so I can feel like the cool person with the cute dog." But the hug, pat, stare rules still apply.
Connie I like the points. Members of my dog club usually come. Theyn give the kids AKC coloring books that stress those points and I go over the stories with the kids after the dogs leave. It's no longer ask the owner; if my memory serves correctly I think they talked about not looking them in the eye, but that may have been in the part about what to do if a strange dog or any dog appears ready to attack.. Maybe I can find it on the AKC site. Here's a link but I'm not sure which one we used. I think I will order these though as it looks like one kit is free per school. http://www.akc.org/pdfs/public_education/education_catalog.pdf
Elaine Haynes Webboard User Reg: 08-16-2005
Posts: 1221
Loc:
Offline
That dog was not being aggressive at all but was showing great restraint, especially for one that young.
It is important to teach people to first ask the owner, then "ask" the dog, and finally to notice whether the dog seems uncomfortable or uneasy and to not continue or start if it does. I've personally stopped someone petting one of my dogs if the dog was or became uneasy about the interaction. And I've made sure to let the person know why and say something so they would hopefully be able to see what I'm seeing and use that in future interactions. I must say on the whole children are much better than adults at seeing.
FWIW, i take my young dogs to our local football games in the fall, our county fair for exposure to new things and to educate the little kids (and their parents) on how to approach a large dog.
i warn parents "don't let him/her run up to the dog", and i warn kids "WALK to the dog, but only if the person with the dog says you can" (ASK FIRST). i kneel next to the dog, short leash, and do not let a little kid approach unless he/she is walking/THINKING about the whole interaction--and a parent is present and OK with it. and i don't allow constant interaction--i can and do say "no, do NOT approach my dog"
i've had great success with kids and parents and dogs-but only because i've had total control over interaction. if the dog/kid are getting too,ummmm, "overstimulated", we leave. period.
you have to know your dog and be able to read the situation.
Obviously the reporter did something stupid that even a chihuahua would react to but I have to say that this is also poor handling on the police officers part. He is the one who is supposed to be trained well enough to not allow his dog to be put in this position and to manage this dog better than this? His new dog? That's another clue that says he can't know this dog well enough to put him in this situation.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: What not to do when meeting a GSD.
[Re: Connie Sutherland ]
#341116 - 08/09/2011 03:20 PM 
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
