Training Teddy to Pet Bruschi and Kodi

There is always so much attention focused on preparing dogs for baby-- and I agree-- so totally important, but also important is grooming (no pun intended) baby for proper interaction with dogs, setting boundaries and letting the two-footed munchkin know how to and not to interact with dog.

I'm no physical therapist, but its common knowledge (and sense) that Toddlers lack the refined motor skills and dexterity required to pet a dog properly.  Tiny humans are not born with that functionality.  Their gross motor skills dictate that they interact with dogs... and other things... in a mannerism that looks like hitting.  And, lets face it... it is.  Dogs do not come pre-programmed to accept that kind of interaction willingly.  In fact, it scares the bejezus out of them!  A baby's motions are to a dog what King Kong's were to the people of sci-fi New York.  In a word-- FRIGHTENING!    

Therefore, while de-sensitizing my dogs to a baby's hitting motions, I also work on Teddy's own motor coordination, teaching him how to gently pet the dogs by stroking their fur, front to back, slowly and softly.  We've been quite successful at it, and we see Teddy go up to Bruschi, on his own, and appropriately pet the dog.  We still continue the exercise, even though Teddy has shown the behavior, because I feel it is important to continually affirm as he grows and develops his muscles.

More after the jump...

I don't yet know if Teddy will generalize this behavior to other dogs outside my home, or if it will become ingrained into his motion set that he does it every time he interacts with the pups.  But, we have seen that "Teddy, pet Bruschi" is almost "on cue" for our Toddler.  

I still strongly believe in, and practice oversight when dogs and baby are together-- and look out for my dogs best interest when it comes to flailing toddler hands and body.  There are times when the dogs need to have their own space, free from the resident Tiny Human.  But, helping Teddy develop the necessary skills for interacting with the pups is essential for our dogs and baby living happily in our home.  And, it is so beautiful to watch them all play together.  

You can see an example of one of our exercises with Teddy and Bruschi in the video attached to this post.  Bruschi is well engaged in a treat during this exercise, to help build a positive association with the baby's motions.  You can also see at one point Teddy does use his palm in a hitting motion, then switches to petting.  Nobody's perfect, but we're sure making progress!