Various studies have proven that having a dog in the family brings numerous benefits from the emotional point of view. For this to happen, a certain relationship of trust must be established between the dog and the children. Otherwise, the contact of the little one with the dog can give rise to a certain risk that must be taken into account.
In the following article we will tell you how to make hugs between dogs and children as safe as possible.
Are hugs between children and dogs dangerous?
The lack of knowledge about the language of the dog is usually the great cause of certain injuries, that can occur between the family dog and the little ones. There are many children who suffer bites and other types of injuries from the house dog. This type of behavior or conduct is due to the existence of several factors:
- an overconfidence and a lack of fear on the part of children.
- The child's height and the lack of a certain body weight.
- a lack of supervision by the adult.
- little knowledge of the language of dogs.
- strong empathy towards the figure of the dog.
The danger of hugging the dog
If a child approaches a dog, he must do so. in a leisurely and calm manner. In relation to hugs towards dogs, a series of tips must be followed:
- The relationship of trust towards the dog it must be important.
- There must be some link between the dog and the child.
- The dog is used to receiving hugs and their results have been positive.
How to make the hug towards the dog safe
If you want that your son's hug to the dog does not become a risk for the little one, You must take into account a number of important aspects:
- Every dog is different, so there will be some who love to be touched and others who need a lot more space.
- Another element to take into account is the context in which the dog is located. It is not the same to be surrounded by unknown people than being together with the family environment.
- Do not forget at any time previous experiences that the dog has had. If he has had negative experiences, it is normal for him not to feel comfortable with the little one's hugs or caresses. In such a case it is important to avoid such situations and Be aware of the child at all times.
- You have to have some skill to teach proper behavior of the dog towards the child.
- In relation to hugs, the interaction should be calm and avoid one that is invasive. In the same way it is good that the caresses and the approach towards the dog be done in a calm and relaxed moment.
- The age of the dog is another element to take into account, when the hug is safe and without danger. A puppy is not the same as a dog in adulthood. Behavior and conduct are therefore totally different.
- It is also important to achieve positive reinforcement behavior, so that hugs do not pose any risk to the integrity of the child.
In short, when a child can approach the dog in the house, Sanity and common sense on the part of adults must prevail. You cannot leave the child alone with the dog, so vigilance and supervision must be constant. Also remember that dogs are animals and not toys, so there must be some respect towards the animal. The environment should be familiar as well as calm and relaxed and the animal should never be forced to endure hugs and caresses from children.