Hi folks, I need your help. Recently I had an uncomfortable interaction with a child in my area and later a discussion with his dad who had been watching nervously from across the driveway. Simply put, I want to write a kids' book aimed at the three- to six-age range that deals with the proper way to meet a new dog/any dog for that matter.
I've always tried to reassure small children that Bailey isn't dangerous...oh, she's large and heavy, but not dangerous; however, large and heavy in connection with small children is potentially dangerous. When they run up to her (which many of them do), she starts running towards them, and the collision between 120 lbs of mastiff and 30-60 lbs of kid can be intense. Most of the children know to stop before they reach her and let her adjust her bulk/speed and their proximity.
Children delight in Bailey. And there is something so right, so beautiful when these little humans are face-to-face, eye-to-eye with my girl. She loves them so much. With the little kids, Bailey is generous with her affection. She lets them hang over her and on her and she stares deeply into their eyes. It's a love fest! Truthfully, I think Bailey thinks she's one of them. And I know from her heartfelt whimpers and whines that she's confused that she's not allowed to run and play with them. But...well...back to my point.
Every child needs to know and be hard wired with the knowledge of how to approach any dog. OR whether to approach any dog. I've always thought it would be a good exercise to have the Safety Officer at the schools give a talk about pet/dog safety and what to do when meeting a dog on a leash OR a dog off the leash, or a friend's dog when you visit the friend's house, and the potential dangers of child/dog interactions.
Note: Dogs off the leash really don't happen here too often. The law is precise in this matter and the penalties are stiff and can include your dog being euthanized if you can't pay the fines or satisfy the Court's Orders. Still, it is a skill which parents really aren't teaching any more. And I'd bet that many of you have had difficult moments with neighbourhood children, and have either worked through it or have found unique and positive ways of teaching around this issue. May I Enlist Your Help and Your Experience In Framing This Book?
I must add for those of you that don't know...I have a visual aid that helps me help children understand.... The scars from a few of my 28 stitches that closed my head wound can be seen...I almost lost an eye. SO...Yes, there are some dogs that you should NEVER approach. Lesson learned, time to pass it on in a positive manner.
E.
I've always tried to reassure small children that Bailey isn't dangerous...oh, she's large and heavy, but not dangerous; however, large and heavy in connection with small children is potentially dangerous. When they run up to her (which many of them do), she starts running towards them, and the collision between 120 lbs of mastiff and 30-60 lbs of kid can be intense. Most of the children know to stop before they reach her and let her adjust her bulk/speed and their proximity.
Children delight in Bailey. And there is something so right, so beautiful when these little humans are face-to-face, eye-to-eye with my girl. She loves them so much. With the little kids, Bailey is generous with her affection. She lets them hang over her and on her and she stares deeply into their eyes. It's a love fest! Truthfully, I think Bailey thinks she's one of them. And I know from her heartfelt whimpers and whines that she's confused that she's not allowed to run and play with them. But...well...back to my point.
Every child needs to know and be hard wired with the knowledge of how to approach any dog. OR whether to approach any dog. I've always thought it would be a good exercise to have the Safety Officer at the schools give a talk about pet/dog safety and what to do when meeting a dog on a leash OR a dog off the leash, or a friend's dog when you visit the friend's house, and the potential dangers of child/dog interactions.
Note: Dogs off the leash really don't happen here too often. The law is precise in this matter and the penalties are stiff and can include your dog being euthanized if you can't pay the fines or satisfy the Court's Orders. Still, it is a skill which parents really aren't teaching any more. And I'd bet that many of you have had difficult moments with neighbourhood children, and have either worked through it or have found unique and positive ways of teaching around this issue. May I Enlist Your Help and Your Experience In Framing This Book?
I must add for those of you that don't know...I have a visual aid that helps me help children understand.... The scars from a few of my 28 stitches that closed my head wound can be seen...I almost lost an eye. SO...Yes, there are some dogs that you should NEVER approach. Lesson learned, time to pass it on in a positive manner.
E.