If a domestic dog growls at the sight of small children and tries to bite them, then it certainly causes concern for parents. They want to know from a knowledgeable expert whether it is dangerous to show aggression of a dog to a child and what to do in such a situation. Experience shows that this problem should be divided into two categories.
First, it can be the usual self-defense on the part of the dog. Perhaps the dog growls and bites because the child is too close and, for example, beats her on the back. Usually, when the baby approaches the dog, he is wary, she tries to avoid contact. Very often the dog gets frightened and wants to run away, and the dog starts to bite if it can not do it. Thus, the aggression from the dog is simply caused by fear. But it happens that the fear of the dog is not so obvious. She can tolerate the presence of the baby, even allowing him to approach him, but if the child causes pain or some discomfort, then immediately begins to growl and tries to bite. This model of behavior is an example of aggression caused by stimuli.
There is also the second category of the problem of the manifestation of dog aggression. In this case, the behavior of the dog is a manifestation of competition, the dog shows a dominant aggression. In this case, the dog can start to growl menacingly at any attempt by the child to approach her when she, for example, has a rest. It happens that the dog growls in other situations, when he sees his opponent in the child. This can happen, for example, when playing on the floor with parents. In this case, the dog shows no signs of fear. Most likely, it is also not a reaction to unpleasant physical stimuli that cause a feeling of hostility towards the child. Most of all it is like the behavior of an animal that takes a higher step in the hierarchical ladder. Thus, the dog shows that the child violates the unwritten law of the social life of the pack.
There are several reasons why dogs can behave aggressively towards a child:
- Incorrect behavior of the child himself
- A small experience of contacts with people before, including with children
- Predisposition of the dog to aggressive behavior, laid down genetically
- Unintentional encouragement of aggression by other family members
- Traumatic and unpleasant experiences that are associated with the child
- Boorishness of the dog or insufficient training
In some cases, dog's aggressive behavior can be completely corrected. For this it is necessary to follow the following rules:
The owner of the dog should clearly and clearly understand the situation that occurs between the animal and the child. It is necessary to explain to the child that growling is a form of threat from the side of the dog, and therefore it should be taken seriously.
It is necessary to exclude problem situations. If the child and dog are left unattended, the dog should be isolated or restricted the child's access to the dog.
Do not use counterproductive methods of correction, that is, you can not punish a dog for aggressive behavior. In the absence of a child, it is advisable to pay more attention to the dog.
It is necessary to change the basic rules of communication within the family. Feeding and education (or training) should be done on schedule, and games, delicacy, attention should be presented only in the presence of the child.
Exclude the encouragement of aggression of an unintended nature. If the dog growls, then the owner should not at all stroke her, distract her and somehow calm her.
Apply methods of behavior correction. For example, you can use the method of developing the opposite reflex in order to suppress the fear of the child.
Teach the dog to behave properly in such situations. You can encourage the dog for peace-loving behavior, and when it comes to aggression, it's very gentle to punish.
Develop through ordinary methods of obedience. This is necessary to strengthen control over the dog in potentially dangerous situations.
Use mechanical auxiliaries. For example, use a muzzle in problem situations.