Keep Dog From Attacking Baby
(c) 2001 Sophia Yin, D.V.M.
For more information, refer to Dr. Sophia's book, "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves" © 2004. TFH publishing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Six week old girl dies after mauled by family dog" the headlines blared on a Monday last October. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department reported the familiar scenario. A family member had left the baby unattended on a bed for a few minutes and returned to find her head encased in the dog's mouth.
Sounds shocking, but this isn't the first time an infant has fallen prey to the family pet. According to a the Center for Disease Control (1997), of the 279 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States that occurred between 1979 and 1994, most involved children less than 10 years of age with infants making up a disproportionately high percentage. The most common scenario for infants? Left alone with the family pet.
What type of dog would perform such a deed? While many would immediately conclude, it must have been the much maligned Pitbull mix or a rouge Rottweiler, not so here. In this case a Pomeranian-a pocket-sized dog known more for being babied than biting babies. And although due to their size, large dogs are usually to blame for fatalities from dog bites, other little dogs- Dachshunds, Westies and Cockers Spaniels have all committed the same crime. Even the all-American Labrador and Golden Retrievers are on this ill-fated list. So the word is now out.
All Dogs Can Bite and a Few Will Even Kill
But why would a pet attack a family member and why an innocent child? The whole situation seems senseless but once you take a moment to think like a dog, the pieces come together. One day life for Lassie is hunky dorey and then suddenly a surprise. A five pound squeaky thing moves in and Rover finds he's now playing second fiddle. No more walks, no more talks. Everyone's focused on the new addition.
Like older human siblings, each dog responds to this situation differently. Some dogs don't mind their new status on the fringe. Others long for signs of their owner's affection. They watch plaintively but politely as new parents fawn over the newcomer.
Still others seethe at this object that has supplanted them in status. If the intruder were another dog, Rover would lay down the law-all newcomers take a back seat. That means Rover eats first if he wants, sleeps on his choice of dog bed, and gets the spotlight when it comes to owner attention. Until everyone knows Rover's rules, he might have to nudge or even force his way into position. And if the message still isn't clear a flash of teeth is sure to set things straight. A nimble newcomer will learn the lesson and still remain unscathed, but a slower sort may need some stitching at the vet's.
When the intruder is an infant the signs are the same. Rover vies for his rightful spot as number one by placing himself in key positions-forcing his way into your lap while you're holding baby or always getting in the way. Punishing or banishing a bossy Rover can make things worse. Now he has no choice but to reprimand the new object of your affection when she's not under your protection.
Violent attack is not always motivated by a vie for the top spot. In fact, a more common cause is the dog's natural drive to hunt. It's triggered by things that sound and act like prey-a darting cat, a squeaking toy, a child who's jerking like wounded prey. Enter the mystery object hidden in a bundle of cloth. It smells like a mammal and squeals like live food. Yet Rover never really learns what it is. Like a secret toy it's off-limits but always tempting with its presence. The longer it hides from Rover the higher his drive.
Knowing the main causes of infant attacks can help us avoid a fatal disaster. It turns out that dog bites to infants can be prevented and the steps start before baby comes home. Step one is to make sure Rover knows his manners. Does he come when called, sit when asked, and wait patiently for your next cue, even when he'd rather grab the toy you just tossed or snatch that piece of food that just fell on the floor? If not, better hone in on your dog training skills.
Next, to prevent cross-species sibling rivalry, do the unthinkable. Start ignoring Rover at least a week before the expected day. Continue his exercise and keep him up on good manners, but otherwise treat him like a ghost at home. That way he won't associate a big decline in attention with your bringing baby home.
When the baby does arrive, let Rover see the little thing. Have him sit quietly and reward him with treats for being calm. That means no whining and no straining or jumping up to reach. Then as a matter of habit, ignore Rover when the baby's away and reward him for good behavior when baby's near by. Soon he'll learn there's nothing to fear when the little infant is near. He'll just know that good things happen to him when baby is around.
Lastly, no matter how petite or perfect your Rover is, never leave him alone with an infant or small child. One bad day and a lapse in your attention and Rover might make that ill-fated list.
Related linksContact Sophia Yin
 |
|
