When you have both children and dogs, the little ones can get snappy. And I’m not just talking about the dogs! Read the July 24, 2011 For Better or Worse comic, and you may get a new perspective!

This is a tolerant dog who loves his boy! Most dogs don't like this level of closeness - think of the appropriateness of hugging a stranger.

Teach your child to behave appropriately, and not only will your dog thank you, but your child will become safer around other people’s pets. Some tips for your child are:

1. Use walking feet and inside voices. Dogs see a running screaming child as a playmate, and dog play sometimes involves jumping and nipping.
2. Always ask an adult before approaching someone’s pet.
3. Approach dogs from the front so they see you coming.
4. Let the dog sniff you first, then pet him on the neck – not the head.

Learn how to read dog emotions so you can help your child meet and interact with family dogs. For more information on reading dog body language, see our blog entry What is Your Dog Telling You? Read His Lips…

Still having nipping problems? Find a trainer who specializes in aggression issues. Be prepared that good trainers teach people as well as train dogs, and you and your family will need to do some homework. If training with a professional doesn’t work, your dog may not be suited for a household with children. To find a new home, go through a no-kill organization to guarantee your dog is adopted rather than euthanized.

Your dog (and everyone else’s) will thank you!

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Celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, May second through eighth, by nominating a kid or teen who shows exceptional compassion toward animals in American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest.

Two grand prize winners will each receive one thousand dollars! Nominations must be received no later than April fifteenth, so nominate your kind kid today! Download a nomination form now and visit americanhumane.org for more information.

All winners and runners-up will be announced nationally during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, and featured on the American Humane website

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In just 10 months, 13-year-old Abby Jungers spent more than 700 hours volunteering at her local animal shelter, the St. Charles Humane Society in St. Peters, Mo. She cleans kennels, walks dogs, helps with heartworm tests, trains new volunteers, participates in mobile adoptions and more. Taking on even the least desirable tasks in the name of helping animals made her one of American Humane’s 2009 Be Kind to Animals Kid Contest grand prize winners.

Every year, American Humane conducts a national search for children who have shown dedication and outstanding effort in improving the lives and welfare of animals. Online Dog coach is joining in the search and linking you to nomination forms for your child.

Kids and animals have always had a special bond. “Thousands of kids in the United States are doing all kinds of creative things to make the world a better place for animals,” said George C. Casey, American Humane’s interim president and CEO. “We want to recognize their efforts and encourage others to follow their lead.”

Kind Kid nominees are divided into two age groups: Children (6-12) and Teens (13-17). Judges will select one grand prize winner and one runner-up from each age group. Grand prize winners will each win $1,000, and runners-up will each win $500. All winners and runners-up will be announced nationally during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 2-8, and featured on the American Humane website at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw

How to enter:  Nominations must include a 300-word description of how the child or teen has shown extraordinary compassion for animals. Other supporting materials, such as photographs and news clippings, are encouraged, but not required. Do not send videos. Nominations must be submitted online or received by mail by April 15, 2010. No purchase necessary. Complete contest rules and nomination forms can also be obtained on the American Humane website.

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