Furbabies and Toddlers

By: Samantha Haines, RAHT

First a bit of background information.

For those of you that do not know I am a Registered Veterinary Technologist and a Certified Canine Master Trainer. I have worked at the Sechelt Animal Hospital for almost 7 years, after moving to the Sunshine Coast to get married and start a family.

Koda

My Smudgie Cat

Simone (aka Brown Dog)



 

I have always been in love with animals.  My fur babies include my 9 year old border collie mix named Koda, my 6 year old German Shepard named Simone, and my very special cat named Smudgie.  For most of my adult life these creatures have been the loves of my life, my secret keepers and my companions.  I have been involved with the Canadian Kennel Club (C.K.C.), Canadian Association of Rally Obedience (C.A.R.O.) and have competed with my dogs in both.  The decision to have a child was made, and I knew this might be difficult for my fur babies.

My dogs were the ring bearers at my wedding and were escorted down the isle by my bridesmaids.

After my son was born in 2009, the usual life changing events occurred for them.  Suddenly they were not my whole world, but only just a part of it.  They were still loved, fed and well cared for, but our lives had changed.  Their daily walks were reduced, they spent more time sleeping on the floor instead of on the bed, and training became nil. 

In the early days, Smudgie stayed always just out of reach

At first adjusting to the newborn was easy: they were curious, got up with me in the middle of the night, and snuggled close by with me and the baby.  But as my son started to get older things started to change.  My son became louder, mobile and as all babies do...rough.  The dogs in particular became agitated and afraid.  This was extremely painful for me to watch.  Not only did I feel bad for them but I also worried for the safety of my son.  My oldest dog, Koda, even began to growl at my son.  I knew that I had to do something before something worse happened.  A baby gate was used to keep the dogs and the baby separate, allowing the dogs to only be in the family room when my son was sleeping in his room.  I was mortified and embarrassed that this is what I had to do to them, but it was the only option to keep both parties safe. 

As my son grew he became more capable of biting, hitting and harassing the pets.
Occasionally he would manage to pin the cat down, but thankfully my cat is very patient and never used claws or teeth.

After my son's first birthday, things started changing again.  Now that he was on the move he was of course infatuated with the dogs.  He wanted to pat them (although still quite rough), occasionally pull on their fur, and chase them around the house.  This only increased their anxiety and fear.  So whenever he would come towards them, (possibly not even to see them) they would scatter on the laminate floors often knocking him over in the process, ending in tears from him and again banishment to behind the gate for the dogs.  This actually resulted in both parties being afraid of each other.  My heart was broken. 

Over the next 3 months (my son was now 18-20 months) every time he came close to the dogs, I gave them a treat.  My son thought that this was a very fun game, and so it went on.  The dogs eventually decided that it was easier to just sit still and wait for the cookie.  The game progressed so that instead of me giving the dogs the cookie, it came directly from my son.  The dogs' fear and anxiety became less and less.   We are constantly teaching him how to be gentle and the proper way to approach the dogs and cat. Now as he runs around the house thrashing his toys and yelling "dogdogdog" they don't scatter but calmly wait for the cookie; or if need be just slowly walk away, being careful not to run right into him.  Simone now allows him to pet her and enjoys playing chase and fetch with him.  Koda is still not so forgiving, but has definitely become more tolerable of him.  I still am always watching when they are in the same room, and allowing the dogs to retreat behind the gate when they choose to; but now it is their choice, not a mandatory banishment. 

 

 

Living with pets and toddlers can be very difficult.  Not all pets are going to enjoy the manhandling that comes along with  having small humans around.  The important thing is to not force the relationship but to allow a safe environment for each to coexist.  It is imperative to remember that your dog (regardless of size) and cat can turn and very seriously harm a child very quickly.  They can be a very dangerous combination and should never be left without supervision.  We cannot expect that our pets will instantly want to be apart of our children's lives, but it is up to us to teach both child and pet the right way to behave in each others company.

Snuggle time with the cat