Kids and Dogs...A Perfect Combination

I love the dynamic between kids and dogs, a perfect combination...or is it?  The answer to that question these days seems to be a bit more complex.  I do truly believe in the wonderful relationship that can bloom and grow between a child and a dog.  I have experienced that wonderful friendship throughout my life, since before I can remember...I've just always had a dog by my side.  I am blessed!  I remember a time when dogs shared our lives.  I remember my Grandmother singing and talking to our dogs, she taught me how to be with dogs and respect them.  Mostly by what she modeled before me rather than what she spoke.  I woke up early and my dog woke up with me...we played all day long in the neighborhood.  Took dogs on walks, invited them in our little swimming pools, attended  neighborhood pet contests and the list goes on.  I remember the dogs at the horse farm where I worked went with us on trail rides and swam with us in the pond.  By the end of the day both dog and child were tired and slept well.  It was good and a beautiful way of life.  I do remember the odd dog getting hit on the street or road, but I also remember neighbors looking out for not only me but the dogs in the neighborhood as well.  They shewed both dog and child home when it was time and no one felt badly about it.

Now, it would seem we can't be so free.  And certainly I am not advocating turning our dogs loose on the street.  It was the 60's and 70's a different place and time...  I remember the odd dog bite and we knew what dogs in the neighborhood were friendly and which to avoid.  I was never bitten as a child, I think because I spent so much time with my dog and others, I knew instinctively how to speak dog.  Maybe?  Not sure...  But it seemed like it was a more natural way of being with our dogs than it is now.

We buy our dogs the best of everything in 2013...food, clothing and bedding...they live in lovely large homes, with big beautiful back yards. But, it seems to me we've lost something in all of the money we spend on our dogs...we've lost our connection simply in time spent with our dogs.  As a dog educator (trainer) more and more I learn of dogs biting children, of having separation anxiety, of being dog aggressive...and the list seems to be growing.  I read an article recently that stated the number one reason 'American' dogs exhibit all these different behavioral problems is because they are bored.  I think they're on to something.

I am fortunate and blessed to continue to share my life with dogs...everyday...we work together.  I am thrilled that I have opportunity to teach children how to speak dog.  I am happy that my little Grand lady is learning how to respect her canine friends...to be kind and empathetic toward all the dogs in her life.  I hope I am doing my Grandmother proud in teaching or more importantly modeling how to interact in a good and kind way with dogs.

We live in a different day and age...but I believe we can do it! We can supervise, model and teach our children how to be kind and most importantly empathetic toward their animal friends.  I believe we can think of creative ways to allow our kids and dogs to enjoy life together even in our busy, over extended schedules.  I hope so anyway...  When I watch my Grand lady (pictured above) with my small pack, I have to smile...I love the way they are learning to be around one another in a good and kind way...it takes supervision...but well worth the time invested...nurturing a lifetime of friendship!   Kids and dogs, a perfect combination? I say a hardy YES!