Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fran Withers and I own Dynasty Canine Training and RV Park. I have been training all breeds for 15 years. I specialize in behavior modification andf training of the family pet.

I am so excited to be writing a monthly column for Critter Magazine. I welcome any questions. You may contact me at scuba926@hotmail,com and I will address your questions here.

Can all dogs be child proofed? It is a myth to think that all dogs can be totally safe with children even after training. Many dogs just do not have the patience or the inclination to deal with children, especially small children. When a dog is not raised with children this becomes particularly a concern if children are being brought into a household where the dog has not been accustomed to the erratic behavior, noise level, running about, and general mayhem that children often represent. There are ways to introduce children to an existing dog that has had the home to himself and his immediate pack. This is a big change for the dog and you have to respect his point of view on the matter.

A crate trained dog has a real advantage here as does his owners. The crate is his den and a safe retreat when he has had enough or when first being introduced. It is a great safe and relaxed place for him to be as he watches all the activity and he should have access to it so he can retreat when he needs to. It is of utmost importance that all children are taught that the crate is the dogs territory and for no reason should they be allowed to climb into, reach into or approach it in an aggressive or boisterous way.

Your success is based largely on the temperament and breed of the dog, how old he is, and if he has ever had much contact with kids. Very small breeds are less likely to accept all the noise and activity when they are not used to it. They can easily become nippy and growl at children. If this happens, then he should be put in his crate where he is not in fear of being run over or fallen upon and he cannot be given the opportunity to nip or bite.

Children need to be taught to respect the dog. No rough housing in the house as the dog could very easily misinterpret this as an argument or fight and most dogs will not allow it to continue. They will get very aggravated and their adrenal glands start working overtime which pumps adrenalin into their system at a rapid rate. The result can be aggression.

Some dogs have no problem at all and easily accept and enjoy children. It will be evident when they are introduced if the dog is enjoying the child (children) or not. Pay close attention to the dog's body language. If he is crouching a lot and trying to get away or if he is circling them crouching, which you will see a lot of with herding breeds, then be right there and settle the children from running about. Introduce child and dog one on one if there seems to be any apprehension. Do not force the issue. If the dog continues to try to get away, try the introduction again a day or two later and let the dog watch from a distance gaining confidence that this new person is not a threat.

When introducing them, have the dog sit not lay down. To be put in a down is a very submissive place to be and it will make the dog most uncomfortable to be approached by a stranger in the down. Give the child a treat to offer the dog. The treat should be offered in an open flat hand, and only attempted as long as the dog shows no signs of being afraid or aggressive. Do not let the child pet the dog on the top of the head. Dogs do not like strangers to do this. Have them offer the back of the hand under the dogs chin and let them smell it. Most kids want to pet the dog by bringing there hands down from above the dog, this only intimidates the dog and many will shy away from the hand.

Give the dog a chance to refuse a touch from a stranger. If he is approached at the sit with a hand under the chin a few inches away from him he has the chance to move towards that hand or ignore it. If he backs away don't' force the issue. If he wags his tail and licks the hand you pretty much know that there won't be a problem. Even then you should observe how the relationship continues, don't just assume that all is well from now on. There is still a lot the dog has to get used to.

If you are bringing a new infant into the house it will help to take a small blanket that the baby has been wrapped in and let the dog sleep with it before they have even been introduced. Never leave a dog with a small child or infant unattended. Don't make the mistake of putting human feelings on the dog with regards to the child. Think about the fact that a mother dog will pick up her pups by her mouth and carry them around. This is very natural thing for her to do. We sure don't want her to do the same to a human child! Never let the dog on the couch or bed when a very small child or infant is there. A large dog would only have to lie too closely to an infant and they could smother them. Mother dogs have often accidentally smothered one of their pups by laying on them.

If there is any problem at all consult a professional so you can avoid potentially dangerous situations. As they say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Once a dog gets it in his head that he does not like children it takes a great deal more to try to change his mind and sometimes you will never change his mind. It is so much better to make it a safe and fun introduction that won't imprint a negative feeling on the dog.