Teaching kids to resect dogs and dogs to respect kids

dogtrainingbaby tip...When #kidsanddogs are in the same space, SUPERVISE, but also be aware of what could happen. Don't put all the responsibility to be good on the #dog, especially when you're #baby is in their space, in their face, pulling their hair or ears, jumping on their back, etc.

‪When kids and dogs are in the same space, SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE, SUPERVISE. But all the supervising in the world won't stop the inevitable if you are just watching it happen. Step in BEFORE anything happens, even if you believe your dog and your child would never do anything to each other. Don't be dumb! Stop what COULD happen from becoming what WILL happen. Don't put all the responsibility to be good on your dog. Teach your kids to be respectful of the dog and teach your dog to give space to your kids. If you're too far away to remove the baby, call your dog away. If your dog is cornered, don't allow the baby or child to go anywhere near the dog. 

Above all, be wise!!! 

If it's too hot for your feet, it's too hot for theirs.

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Not only is the asphalt/concrete hot to the touch, dogs have sweat glands on their paws, armpits, and groin. They are highly susceptible to heat stroke. If you notice your pooch starting to breath heavily, tongue hanging out and swollen, quickly submerge their feet in cool water, and splash water up between their legs and underbelly. 

How to approach a dog

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If you see a well behaved dog and want to pet it, please ask permission! If the owner said no, don't get offended! I've worked hard getting my dogs to this point and an excited human, at the wrong time, can destroy that hard work. Be calm, be willing to cooperate, and say "thank you" when the greeting is over!

If you're a dog owner, regardless of how well it's trained, don't feel obligated to the general public to let them pet your dog. He's your dog! Not public property! If you or your dog aren't comfortable, or ready for the encounter, then politely decline. My favorite reply is, "Sorry, now's not a good time/Not right now, he's in training."

Read more from Dream Come True K9 

We are on a mission to document well-behaved dogs in public places to demonstrate that it is possible for any dog, of any age, to be respectful of other dogs...

You might have an off-leash reliable dog if...

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...you can call your dog with one command and they instantly respond by obediently high-tailing it back to you regardless of the numerous distractions. Congratulations, you have an off leash reliable dog! If not, then please keep your dog on leash in any public setting, especially the city park.

Off leash training is within reach!

Shop for the Temperament and Energy Level, not the looks.

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As quoted on a Facebook User's page: "You have to learn to drive, really well, before you buy the sports car. And these wonderful breeds, are the Ferrari's of the dog world! Many breeds are becoming more popular on looks alone, but end up most often in the shelter when their novice owners can’t control them."

Please do your homework and really think about your lifestyle before purchasing or adopting one of these gorgeous animals. Far too many of them populate our shelters and end up on the euthanasia list because their owners didn't do their research and let their dog suffer.