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Ask Yvette

Last week – Dog Whisperer. Fascinating, possibly dangerous

I have one simple rule when it comes to kids and dog training.

Never teach or show a child, regardless of methodology, anything that you do not want them copying with an unknown and possibly dangerous dog.

For example, I think it is great for children to learn that animals need care. But I usually suggest to parents that they do nail trimmings and ear cleaning when the child is in bed. Why? Because toddlers often copy adults, and before you know it little Johnny has a stick up the dog's ear canal and is hacking away at toe nails with plastic scissors. It takes an awfully tolerant dog to take such behaviour. Nice kid plus a nice dog that results in a not so nice outcome.

National Geographic is often thought of as a family friendly channel. They have educational material, and many parents are glad when their children choose to watch. But when children watch a dog training show with disclaimers, do children really understand that they should never copy those actions? Even if they do understand, does childhood bravado not sometimes mean that children purposely flaunt warnings? Naïve parents who expect different are usually in for a rude awakening.

I do not want my child poking at a dog. A 50 pound dog is no match for a 50 pound child. Poke the wrong dog and someone is getting bitten. For more safety concerns, the I.A.A.B.C. has posted information at: http://www.iaabc.org/articles/dog_whisperer.htm

Since National Geographic has taken steps to place warnings throughout Mr. Millan's shows, then I think parents should place limits on their children's ability to view the programming. If National Geographic potentially sees the need for a legal disclaimer, then parents should step in to ensure children to not learn the material presented. Monitor your child's television viewing.

The second concern that I have with techniques demonstrated in this show relates to the message they send to children. The relationship between a child and their pet can be one of the first times in a child's life when they have full control over another being. I see this as being a significant learning opportunity.

There are many ways that you can create relationships with those that share your life. Caring for an animal presents the opportunity to teach empathy, negotiation skills, win-win compromises and effective leadership skills. So why would I as a parent choose to teach a child to poke or pinch and animal to force compliance? As a parent I work hard to teach “no hitting, share and play nice.” Why on earth would I make an exception to that rule? Why would I teach my son to dominate, poke at or choke those that are weaker than him? I certainly do not wish him to do so to others when he matures. I want my son to treat his future wife with respect and love. I want him to motivate his employees and inspire his children.

Pet training is not only about the rehabilitation of the dog. It needs to take into consideration everyone the message is received by. And since National Geographic has filled the show with legal disclaimers, parents should probably heed those warnings and choose a different outlet as an educational medium for their children.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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