01/28/2019
Family Paws Parent Education recommends if a toddler is going to touch or pet a dog that it is best to use GUIDED TOUCH. This is When a parent or adult Holds the child’s hand To ensure no grasping or pulling or rough touch. Toddlers are quite impulsive and their physical touch is not always gentle. It is great to use the begin saying words like “gentle”but children this age are too young to follow through consistently. All interaction should be adult guided. Many dogs become very uneasy with young children touching them freely. Please do your best to prevent this so your dog does not develop anticipatory anxiety of your child. Dogs that are uncomfortable and anticipating negative interaction are more likely to react by growling and possibly biting. Parent guided touch is a great preventative step all parents and adults with dogs around Toddlers can take. Always remember that not all dogs want to be touched by toddlers. In fact most don’t Respect if a dog turns away, walks away, or chooses not to be near or engage. NEVER ever force interaction!
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