CHILDREN AND GREYHOUNDS

Greyhounds and children - how will the two mix? It is of importance to note that many greyhounds have never seen a child - they may not realize that children are humans! They have stiff and jerky movements - they absolutely do not conduct themselves like humans (at least that is how it seems to the dog)! Given their pack behavior, they may respond to a child like they are littermates or puppies that need correcting.

Greyhounds have great tolerance for children, but they do have their limits. A child should not be allowed to push them to that limit. Children should be taught to treat the greyhound with respect and kindness. Young children should always be supervised during contact with the greyhound. The adult will be able to monitor the behavior of child and greyhound alike, as the greyhound must also be taught to treat the child properly. A dog is not a baby sitter or a playmate for a small child.

One of the most common incidents concerning children and greys takes place when the greyhound is startled awake. Greyhounds often sleep with their eyes open. If the child has not been taught about this, they may wake the dog up suddenly. This can actually turn into a very dangerous situation. The safest way to wake a greyhound is to call him/her by name. They are very deep sleepers and startle easily. Remember, they cannot yell at someone for waking them up. So they express themselves by barking, growling, or even biting.

One reason most adoption organizations recommend new is to educate them about the greyhound's life prior to becoming a family pet. While living in the kennel atmosphere, the greyhound had their own crate - it was theirs alone, and they never had to share it. This was their "special" place, and it is very important that they have a place like this in their new home.

Many families continue to use the crate with their greys. If the crate is not used, then a spot should be found for the dog in a corner or a quiet room. The child should be taught that this is the greyhounds "special" place, and they are not to be disturbed when in this place. Never allow a child to get into the dogs crate either with or without the dog. Your greys "special" place should be off limits to the child.

If the grey knows that he has his own space, where no one will bother him, he will retreat to this area rather than face conflict. Another excellent book for adopters with children to read is "Childproofing Your Dog" by Kilcommons.

One of the methods to use when evaluating behavior with kids and dogs is to try to look at things from the dogs prospective. For instance, "if I were a dog would I like?" Of course, we would love hugs and petting - but would not like to be pulled on, climbed on, and just generally manhandled! Children should be taught how to bond with their dog - teach them to stand as still as possible (not an easy task for the very young!!) and allow the dog to first approach them.

Teach them how to pet the dog - show them how the dog loves to be rubbed behind the ears. If the child is non-aggressive and patient, the greyhound will learn to trust him, and will frequently come to him for petting.

The relationship between children and greyhounds can be a very rewarding one, if both participants learn respect for each other. When raising our children, Pete always had an assortment of dogs and cats. Consequently, both Cindy and Randy continued to have pets when they moved out on their own. Cindy and Tommy's three children are also being raised to love and respect animals. One of the best ways to teach children respect, love, and trust is through their relationship with animals.

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Children and dogs are a natural combination. And they'll become the best of buddies when they both learn how to play and interact with each other.

Greyhounds are a very tolerant, non-aggressive breed and will allow children to handle them extensively. However, just because they are one of the most easy-going dog breeds, they are also a live, adult animal with all the accompanying instincts and needs. So please follow these guidelines.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
No dog should be disturbed when sleeping. If you're going to interrupt his sleep, call his name before startling him. A greyhound needs a place of his own to rest undisturbed.

Teach Children How to Act
Small children often want to express their affection for the pet greyhound by hugging or clinging on the dog. Though greyhounds will endure all sorts of treatment initially, in silence, their limits will be reached and they may growl, bark or even snap. Greyhounds never intend to do harm, but if the child's body is in the path of their snap, harm could unintentionally occur. They'll also start avoiding your children and will cringe when they approach. You don't want this to happen. So teach your children the correct way to handle a dog by gently stroking the neck and shoulders or brushing instead. Also enforce that tails are private things, not play things.

Teach your Dog How to Act
It is important to reinforce the idea with your dog that children are not litter mates to the dog. Even though a child may be eye level, your dog must understand that it is still a person and must respond appropriately, not as if the child were another dog.

If you let the greyhound share your child's bed it encourages the dog to think of the child as a brother or sister and respond accordingly. If one dog rolls on or kicks another as they sleep, the dog naturally responds with a growl or a disciplinary nip. The greyhound will do this to the child, not inflicting or intending harm, but it could scare the child.

Playing Outdoors
Outdoor games with your greyhound should be closely supervised, especially initially and until both child and dog are fully introduced. No dog, and especially no greyhound, can be expected not to chase after an excited, squealing child. And sometimes the greyhound's idea of fun is to play "imaginary hunter" using the child as a lure. Being run down by a large dog would hardly be classified as fun by most kids!

Instead, encourage your child to join you as you stand in place and happily encourage your dog to come to you, with each person taking a turn. This provides exercise for the dog and reminds him that all people are in control -- large or small.

The main rule to keep in mind concerning children and dogs is easy -- safety first. This applies to both the dog and the kids. Do not ever leave young children and dogs alone together.

Although protection of the children is your first concern, you must also protect your dog. Your greyhound could be seriously injured as a youngster decides to "play horsey" on his back or tries painting his nose.

There is a book, 'Childproofing Your Dog,' that I recommend all adopters with children purchase and read prior to adopting a greyhound. It is the definitive book on children and dog interactions.

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© All information copyright of the respective owners or publishers. | Legal Disclaimer

Nov 24, 2006 6:00 P.M.