Paw-rescue.org has some great tips on how you can make sure that you and your children are playing safely and appropriately with your dog. A must-read for all dog owners!
“Screaming, laughing children racing about with a dog chasing them. Someone grabs a stick and starts playing tug-of-war with the dog. The dog grabs a sleeve and starts to yank. Another child holds up a ball and encourages the dog to jump for it. Another child snatches the ball and runs off. The dog gives chase, the children scream even more. Then the children “pig-pile” and start to wrestle with the dog.
How often do we see situations like this? Are we aware that all these games can lead to a child being bitten and undesired behaviors in our dog? Playing in the manner these children are encourages jumping, chasing and even biting. The sounds and speed of the children can excite a dog to the point where he forgets not to use his mouth. Play like this can also make a dog feel threatened. Part of having safer children and dogs is playing safer games and knowing the rules of all games.”