Dog Proofing your Children
Having three kids and rotating fosters in and out of our home, Diana and I have learned a few things about getting dogs and kids to play nice together. First, you and your kids are part of the pack as is every other living creature in your home. Second, children (less than 12 years old) will almost never out rank a dog in the pack order according to your grey. With these two things in mind we have established rules in our home that keep things running smoothly.
-Never let a child inside a crate with a dog, this includes reaching into the crate to pet them. This is the dog's safe zone and their space should be respected when they retreat to their crate.
-Never let a child pass out treats to multiple dogs. Greys get very excited about treats and frequently forget just how big they are when jockeying for position. If you have multiple dogs and want to let a child give treats to the dogs be sure that the other dogs are outside or crated and only allow the child to treat one dog at a time. Making treat time from your child a special event will also help keep the greys from assuming that when they see a child with food that it must be a treat for them.
-Never feed a dog from the table, your grey will associate your meal time as a snack time for them. Kids tend to be easier to reach around and if your dog is tall enough to reach onto the table your kid's food will be their first target.
-When introducing a dog to children it's best to let them meet on comfortable terms. Both child and dog should be standing, mom or dad should be between them with one hand on the dog and there should not be any other dogs nearby. Start with a little head scratching then let your child move beside the dog to pet him. Your child should be taught how to pet the dog without getting near sensitive areas, i.e. mouth, eyes, belly.
-If a dog runs when your child enters the room do not allow your child to approach the dog alone. Slowly build up trust by having your child help you pet/scratch/ brush and have them affirm the dog as they work.
-Once the dog is comfortable with your child you can add little things to your daily routine that will help build their relationships. Let your child lock the door when crating the dog and let them open the crate when it's time for the dog to come out or allow them to place the dog's food bowl down at feeding time.
-Teach your child how to lead the dog. All of our dogs wear martingale collars and the kids have been taught to lead the dogs by grasping the D-ring of the collar and walking forward, never backing up while facing the dog. We also teach them not to pull on a dog that does not want to walk but in our house that is rarely a problem.
-If you have a fenced yard outdoor activities should be monitored carefully until everyone understands how the yard is used. A grey running full speed and a child running full speed make for a little too much excitement when they meet in the middle of the yard.
-Children should not be allowed to help during potentially high stress situations such as nail clipping, tending wounds, removing stitches, giving medication, etc.
-Remember that your grey will probably love your kids toys just as much as they do even if they do have an odd way of showing it. Anything soft or that makes noise will become a chew toy if it is not put out of the dog's reach when your child is done playing with it. This also goes for shoes, crayons, books, and just about anything else your grey sees your child playing with because if the kids like it there must be something fun about it.
Once your kids become greyhound savvy you'll be amazed at how helpful they can be with daily care and your grey will love them for the special attention.
