The combination of children and dogs at home can be risky, but above all it can lead to something very special. Latest research has shown that children who grow up with dogs are more social and have more empathy. They learn about respect, care and responsibility at an early age. They have a special friend whom they can talk to and share their deepest secrets with. If a child has a problem, 80% of the time he or she will first talk to their pet about it.

Most dog bite incidents occur due to lack of understanding about how dogs communicate and could have been avoided. RVVH offers a unique seminar which will teach children and parents about dog safety. This program is based on the British Oscar&Rufus project which through many years of refining and research has been adopted by multiple European dog organizations.

Jeanette Groner, the RVVH professional dog instructor, has been certified to teach this program in Europe and is excited to bring it to your community. Jeanette has taught in public schools bringing her own certified service dog to class teaching children to understand dog safety.
She is the author of the book "Child & Dog Safety". To get to know more about her book click here.

SEMINAR DETAILS
This seminar is families who are looking into getting a dog or who already have a dog at home. The familiy dog is not allowed to attend as we will focus with the children on trust and boundaries with dogs at home and in the world around them. Your family will learn together about dog communication, safety and games for both children and dogs.

The seminar runs 1.5 hours and will be held at the Rogue Valley Veterinary Hospital. You will have to pre-register by contacting our instructor Jeanette Groner at 616.863.9390 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  We will need your family name, phone number and how many adults and children will attend.

The cost is $45 per family.

CHILD SAFETY TIPS

1. NEVER leave your child alone with a dog...
2. As a parent be a role modeal as your child will mimic everything you do as you interact with your dog.
3. Teach your child to drop an item if the dog wants to steal it. This will prevent a power struggle between the dog and your child.
4. Be aware of the "ganging-up" effect. If you as parent reprimand your child, your dog may try to "help" with correcting your child, or may attempt to protect the child. This depends on the individual relationship each family member has with the dog.Avoid reprimanding your child in the presence of your dog.