(11-15-2015, 06:13 PM)Catherine Wrote: Small children should not be unsupervised with a dog unless we are really sure of the child and the dog. Too many dog attacks involve a dog alone with a neighbours child. No one really knows what happened, but I bet the dog had a reason.Yes, young children left unsupervised with any dog -even a sweet-natured one of ANY breed -is a very bad idea. Little children can do hurtful things without really meaning it. They can pull tails, pull hair, grab at the dog, poke their fingers in its eyes....and the one thing many dogs find most overwhelming and threatening is someone who suddenly rushes up, sticks their face in its face, and crowds it, or shrieks right next to its ears.
Little children do all of these things.
I know if a little child shrieks even within hearing distance of me, my ears hate it. I can only imagine what a dog might feel when it happens at close range.
Dogs are also inclined to use the same chastisements they would use with pups who get out of hand, or other dogs. And that can involve teeth. They often will not bite deeply -just chastise -but it can be too much for a fur-less little toddler!
Sadly....I wonder how many dogs have been consigned to Shelters (which if not adopted, could lead to a "Death Row" scenario) -as a result of natural chastisements of young children who have overstepped a line re: canine rules of behaviour?
