My Pet World: Look for indestructible toys and beds during your dog’s teething phase

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Mar 13, 2024

Dear Cathy

Many years ago, my nephew had a Rottweiler. He was the biggest baby. He always sat on my feet, so I would pet him when visiting. He was good at protecting my nephew and his wife if he thought there was a threat, which wasn’t often.

Well, something changed. After a few years, the dog began growling and snarling whenever my nephew approached him during feeding times. With plans for starting a family, this behavior became a significant concern. They decided to enlist the help of a trainer to address the dog's protective tendencies around food. I can't recall the exact duration, but the training effectively resolved the issue. My nephew could peacefully sit next to the dog while he ate, without any signs of aggression, a behavior that continued until the dog passed away years later.

Hiring that trainer was worth every penny they spent. I wanted to pass this along so people will see the benefits of a trainer before they are sued for any unpleasant occurrences caused by their dog.

– Liz, Newington, Connecticut

Dear Liz,

I am glad to hear your family took proactive steps to address their dog's behavior before introducing a baby into the household.

I would like to add some more advice on pets and babies. It's crucial not to leave a child under eight years old unsupervised with a dog, even the family dog. Young children may inadvertently provoke a reaction from the dog by grabbing or startling them.

By eight years old, most children have learned sufficient self-control and understanding on how to behave around dogs, especially if their parents have been careful to teach them. Even at eight years old, though, I remained vigilant when my son had friends over to play. I was aware that their overall energy and behavior — and the fact they had not been taught how to behave around a dog — could trigger a negative or protective response from a dog if not monitored.

I also recommend providing dogs with their own space, such as kennel-training, to give them a place to retreat to when they've had enough of energetic activities. This respects the dog's boundaries and ensures a safer environment for both children and pets. I hope this advice encourages a harmonious relationship between children and dogs.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)