When we get a new dog our children are excited to participate in the care for the dog. There are many children who continue to share interest in participating in caring for the dog. I admire their commitment to their dog.
When it comes to walking the dog in public, young children should avoid walking dogs independently, especially when it involves pulling on the leash.
Dogs need clear communication on walks, through consistent leash handling. Young children struggle to convey leash walking cues effectively.
Allowing your children to walk your dog can lead to safety concerns, injury and unpredictable reactions. Below we provide more details on these issues.
Safety concerns
Young children may lack the physical strength and coordination to handle a dog that pulls or becomes overly excited. Small dogs can get away from a young child as easily as large dogs. This could lead to accidents or the child losing control of the dog.
Witnessing their dog being struck by a car can lead to long-lasting trauma for a child.
When I was a teen I worked with someone who shared a childhood incident with me involving his new puppy. He was five years old at the time. I am not going to share the details because it is upsetting.
I will tell you that fifteen years later, he couldn’t look at a dog without reliving that moment.
I heard that story thirty years ago and never forgot it. The pain in that young man’s face etched into my soul. It’s a terrible story and I share a small piece of it today, because I never want another child to witness and suffer through such a traumatic event.
Unpredictable reactions
If a child encounters another dog, a loud noise, or a sudden movement, they will not react appropriately. The loss of control increases the risk of accidents or unexpected reactions from the dog. This poses a danger to the child, the dog, as well as others in the vicinity.
Alternatively, your child may become distracted and accidentally release the leash, allowing your dog to venture into unsafe situations. More terrifying is having your child chase after the dragging leash.
In many cases, dogs are larger and stronger than young children, making it easier for the child to be knocked to the ground or, in extreme cases, dragged.
Risk of injury:
Dogs may experience discomfort, strain, or injury if they are pulled or dragged on a walk. This can lead to stress, pain, or even long-term health issues for the dog.
Behavioral issues and Broken Trust
For many dogs, being pulled can be a stressful and frightening experience. This can result in the development of behavioral issues, such as anxiety or fear aggression, impacting the overall well-being of the dog and the safety of the child.
Consistent pulling and dragging on walks can erode the trust and bond between the dog and the child. Dogs may associate negative experiences with the child, leading to a strained relationship.
Supervision and proper training are crucial when allowing children to interact with dogs, ensuring a safe and positive experience for both.
If your child wants to walk the dog, attach a second leash to the dog’s harness for them to hold, while you hold the main leash. This allows you to properly provide direction to your dog while teaching gentle handling to your child. Most importantly, it keeps everyone safe while you walk.
Dog Savvy Kids provides in-person presentations on dog care and dog safety. The interactive program teaches children the importance of considering the dog’s happiness, canine communication skills and how to interact with dogs – known and unknown. If you live on or near Long Island, contact us for your school presentation, home-schooled social event, scouting group training. We also assist dog rescues in educating new adopters and other organizations with child and dog safety in mind.
Check back to learn about our online program for families with children and a new puppy. The program will be available by March 2024.
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