Never punish warnings
If your pet displays any negative behavior, such as growling, hissing or
questionable body language, during any interaction with the baby or child
(or the baby doll, when desensitizing the pet), be sure to never punish it.
Your pet is letting you (and the baby or child) know it is uncomfortable, and
it is communicating in a normal, natural and appropriate manner. Yelling
at or correcting the pet will not make it adjust better. In fact, you may be
teaching your pet that warning is a bad thing, and next time the pet may
skip the warning and go straight to aggression. Warnings are good — they
give you time to address the situation. Additionally, just because your pet
reacted negatively to the baby or child does not necessarily mean you need
to give the pet away; this may be an issue that can be remedied. Contact
a professional trainer or behaviorist right away. Never attempt to address
aggression or questionable behavior on your own.
If your pet displays any negative behavior, such as growling, hissing or
questionable body language, during any interaction with the baby or child
(or the baby doll, when desensitizing the pet), be sure to never punish it.
Your pet is letting you (and the baby or child) know it is uncomfortable, and
it is communicating in a normal, natural and appropriate manner. Yelling
at or correcting the pet will not make it adjust better. In fact, you may be
teaching your pet that warning is a bad thing, and next time the pet may
skip the warning and go straight to aggression. Warnings are good — they
give you time to address the situation. Additionally, just because your pet
reacted negatively to the baby or child does not necessarily mean you need
to give the pet away; this may be an issue that can be remedied. Contact
a professional trainer or behaviorist right away. Never attempt to address
aggression or questionable behavior on your own.
Signs that your pet is stressed
When animals are stressed, they are more likely to feel the need to protect
themselves (“fight or flight” response). Just like if you are having a stressful
day, you may snap at someone — it doesn’t mean you are a bad person, it just
means you are stressed. If you believe your pet is feeling stressed, anxious,
nervous or fearful, make sure your baby or child is not near it. Also, babies
and children should never be around any animal that is in heat, giving birth
or with its young.
When animals are stressed, they are more likely to feel the need to protect
themselves (“fight or flight” response). Just like if you are having a stressful
day, you may snap at someone — it doesn’t mean you are a bad person, it just
means you are stressed. If you believe your pet is feeling stressed, anxious,
nervous or fearful, make sure your baby or child is not near it. Also, babies
and children should never be around any animal that is in heat, giving birth
or with its young.
Give your pet some space and a quiet place. Also, be sure to identify the
trigger of the stress, as it may be your baby or child. If this is the case, you
should find a qualified behaviorist or trainer right away.
trigger of the stress, as it may be your baby or child. If this is the case, you
should find a qualified behaviorist or trainer right away.
For help regarding these issues or questions on training your pup, contact Dynamite Dog Training at (954)515-6411 or visit: www.dynamitedogtraining.com
- American Humane
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