So the summer holidays are upon us, children are off school and everywhere is busy with families enjoying time together and this got me thinking about the family dog. Growing up I had a dog she was wonderful, calm, clever and sweet and she never put a foot wrong. However, some dogs struggle, some children have never spent much time around dogs and occasionally it ends up in conflict. Not great for anyone. It is usually just miscommunication on everyone’s part but it is heart-breaking with Dogs being rehomed or even euthanised.

Just to be clear I am not an expert in children and dogs and to be totally honest I refer to a behaviourist with a special interest if there are any concerns raised. I still think this is a sensible approach there is too much risk for all concerned. There are many great organisations out there with good advice and I have sourced my information from them.

Doggone safe

Kids around dogs – is UK based and they have a list of trainers that have undertaken their course. They have free downloads on how to behave around dogs, simple body language and where to safely pet them. Please go and check them out HERE

In the meantime, my top tips are as follows:

· The most important I think is ‘Never leave dogs and children unsupervised’. Children are unpredictable, they often don’t think. Even if you have a great dog, on that day they might not be feeling well, and might be in pain. Might be a little older and simply does not want a bonnet on his head! Children don’t always notice to body language the dog is displaying and this might end in a growl or a bite.

· Don’t punish a growl! A growl is a shout, Dogs communicate beautifully with body language but if we are not fluent, we miss it and children doubly so. If a dog is punished for growling it has nowhere left to go, it has probably indicated numerous times that they are not comfortable, worried or even hurts. We don’t listen so they are pushed and pushed and eventually bite. Bites don’t come out of anywhere. If a dog growls, listen. Think about why they growled and address it. Never punish. Growls are part of a conversation and worth listening to.

· Learn canine body language. Not doing so is like going to live in France, were everyone speaks French and never learning the language. Even if you just learn the basics, you can make life a lot easier for you and everyone around you. If you know the language you can see when the dog is unhappy or worried and step in before it gets anywhere near a growl. Good for everyone. Teach the children simple body language the below is from Kids around Dogs and must for every family:

· Teach your children dogs aren’t toys, but maybe get them involved in training the dog. Dog sports, trick training all really fun activities for them to do together, builds a relationship based on mutual respect.

· Let sleeping dogs lie – Teach children that if the dog is asleep or even just resting in their bed. Leave them alone. If you want them call them to you, the bed (in my opinion) should be a safe space for them.

· Food – Again leave them to eat, to enjoy their chew. I would be grumpy if people kept try to steal my chips!

· Teach your children how to act around other people’s dogs, always ask before you touch any dog. Some dogs might not like being touched, might be nervous and don’t be offended if the owner says no. Have a look at Kids around Dogs infographic about safe places to pet a dog:

I had dogs growing up and it was a wonderful experience, dogs and kids can be a great combination. Make sure the children and dogs in your life are kept safe and enjoy a happy life together. Take a minute to look through the resources at Kids around dogs HERE and educate the whole family.

As always if you have any questions just drop me an email on info@bark-ology.co.uk.

Enjoy the summer!

Karen, Elle & Kate