Dogs and Children Living Safely In Homes Together

The past few weeks have been a particularly bad time for dog bite fatalities. So far this year, there have been at least 8 (and potentially 9) fatalities due to dog bites – all of except two of which have happened in the past 3 weeks.

 

While this seems particularly bad, it is important to put this in perspective. There were 10 through the first three months of last year and it turned out to be a pretty average year in terms of total number of fatalities. However, most of these incidents have been highly preventable.

Again, young children (under the age of 5) have taken the brunt of the attacks – accounting for 6 of the 8 fatalities thus far. Two have been infants less than 2 weeks old. Because of this, I thought it was important to reach out to Jennifer Shryock CDBC of Dogs & Storks to provide more information to parents with dogs in their household to provide more education so hopefully we can prevent more of these types of attacks in the future. I’ve spoken with my local Dogs & Storks presenter and seen the majority of the program – and I think it is an excellent program designed to help parents with their children of all ages be better prepared of interactions their children and dogs have.

It is my goal with this blog to provide as accurate of information as possible so that we can minimize the number of these types of attacks – and call on experts in the field of canine behavior to help. As with any information you read on the internet, use this information for guidance purposes only and if you have concerns, meet with a professional dog trainer in your own community.

 

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KC Dog Blog: First off, let’s talk about Dogs & Storks. What is Dogs & Storks and what is the mission of your organization?

 

Jennifer Shryock: Dogs & Storks is a National program that prepares families with dogs for life with baby. Our mission is to offer positive, practical and affordable resources for families before and after baby to increase safety and fun while decreasing stress.

  

KCDB: Over the past couple of weeks, two newborn children under 2 weeks old have been fatally wounded by dog bites. Is this normal?

 

JS: Well, honestly, I think the real problem is how many infant deaths are caused by their own parents every single day! Most never get broadcast. This is an important point. Search Google news on any given day and you will be shocked by how many infants are killed by their own parents. Dog fatalities will never be as likely or frequent as human caused deaths. Dog-related accidents or deaths are hyped up and seem to hit the headlines vs. human-caused deaths or injury. Why? Fear keeps people hooked and dedicated to media. How sad it is but it is true. It is unfortunate that there were two infant deaths related to dogs. As a certified dog behavior consultant and mother of four (one an infant) this makes me so sad and fuels my desire to get more education out there!

 

KCDB: It does seem that newborn infants are frequently the victims of dog bite fatalities. What advice can you give to parents who are bringing a newborn into a home with their dogs?

 

JS: Newborns are vulnerable and helpless. They are new to the home and therefore, the dog. This lack of familiarity leads to inquisitiveness on the dog’s part and without proper supervision can lead to serious injury. All new parents must remember that their dog is a dog and they investigate as dogs. If a baby cries…it is a new sound and without the adult there to defer to a dog may investigate on their own. The good thing is that all parents can be sure that they are providing awake supervision whenever the dog is around.

 

KCDB:  You even mention on your blog (www.dogsandstorks.blogspot.com) that parents can even begin preparing their dog for a newborn child before the child is even born.  How do they go about doing that?  And how early should they start preparing their dog?

 

JS: Begin when you get a pup if you know you want kids in your future. Socialization is so important for all dogs but especially ones in homes with kids. I encourage families to begin early on in their pregnancy and or adoption process. Don’t wait until the end when there are many classes and you may not be up for it. Begin early and make necessary changes now so you and your dog have time to adjust before the baby arrives.

 

KCDB:  Do the steps your recommend change depending on what type of dog they have?  Do breeds matter?  How about different personality types or energy levels?

 

JS: Dogs & Storks offers general recommendations but a private consultation offers an individualized program based on the family, dog and environment.  It is important to understand breed traits and behaviors but more important to know the dog’s personality.  I personally have four different types and personalities. We have a Siberian husky, mal/shepherd mix, German Shepherd and pit bull. All are rescues and all are very different. I adjusted the program to meet their needs especially once our baby arrived. 

 

KCDB: Interesting that you say you own a ‘pit bull’. Last week a doctor in Atlanta came out with a statement that he didn’t believe Rottweilers and pit bulls belonged in homes with children. What do you have to say about that?

 

JS: Well, Just as I am not qualified to give medical advice, he is not qualified to give such a strong opinion on dogs.   Dogs are not the problem...people and their dangerous behaviors are.  Just listen to your local news any hour and you will be reminded of this.  When we label a group of dogs or people we close our minds and doors to great potential. Our Windsor was chained up for the first 4 years of his life - he was definitely just kept as a resident dog and not a family dog. He was left to die on rocks and has no reason to love and trust any human, yet he does.  If we judged him by his breed then we would not experience the joy and fun that he brings into our lives.  I would not have any other dog around my four children.

 

Interestingly, Dogs & Storks was created due to the number of calls I received from families with German Shepherds who were expecting a baby. There was much prejudice about the breed and I believed more support and education – especially for new parents – was needed. 

 

KCDB:  Do people who come to your groups for help usually find a lot of success with their dog around their newborns?  Or does it take any special skill?  How often do people that attend Dogs & Storks training sessions still have problems with their dogs? 

 

JS: Our program is family and dog friendly! Yes, most are very pleased and we encourage them to keep up with the program and support for ongoing success.  Introductions are only the first step. The true challenges come once baby is crawling.  We want our families to stick with us through the stages for long-term success. Families will reconnect if they see warning signs that we have discussed. Often at the stage of mobility we do a refresher and “After the stork” consult to help them continue the success. 

 

KCDB:  What is the best advice you can give to a new parent with dogs?

 

JS: 1) Prepare ahead by decreasing attention seeking behaviors

2) Set up and practice a separate dog zone for the dog/s

3) Be sure the entire family is in on the training and the plan for consistency

4) Firm up boundaries and manners

5) Truly get to know your dog’s sensitivities so that you can predict and prepare your dog for all the stimulating baby items that will be entering your lives.

6) SUPERVISE AT ALL TIMES!  If you are sleeping and the dogs are in your room…have a plan. Tether, crate or gate so that you know for sure you will be the first responder to your baby’s cry.

 

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For more information about Dogs & Storks, visit their website, or their blog (which often features “cute” online videos of children and dogs interacting with a breakdown of the dog’s behavior that is sending warning signs to parents.  It’s good information for parents, but also an awesome reminder of just how patient most dogs are with what unknowing parents let their children get do to the dogs.

 

Also, last year I interviewed Jennifer as well, and you can read that interview here.

 

And a special Thank You to Jennifer and other trainers like her who are working to help create safer environments for both dogs and children in the household. Dogs and children are great together -- and can and do live happy lives in homes together as long as parents have even the slightest bit of understanding about canine behavior.

Comments

[Jennifer Brighton]

I recently gave Dogs & Storks to friends who are going have their first child. They have 2 well-behaved pitties (my dog's best friends). I watched it and even as a non-parent, learned a lot.

Great educational post, Brent. Thanks.

[Jen Shryock]

Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate your feedback!
Jennifer