interactions among these to achieve effective supervision and to avoid problems arising, sometimes with drastic consequences.
Absent Supervision: The term‘ Absent Supervision’ is somewhat contradictory, as one cannot be absent and supervising simultaneously. Often, incidents involving babies and dogs arise from parents or guardians being absent when the two are together. Commonly heard is,“ we only left them alone for a few seconds.” Even brief moments can lead to issues, regardless of the dog’ s friendliness, unintended consequences can occur. Example: an adult sleeping in the same room as the baby and the dog is engaged in Absent Supervision.
Passive Supervision occurs when an adult is physically present in the same room but is otherwise distracted. While many adults believe that their presence alone constitutes supervision, this is not accurate. It is important to note that situations can quickly become unsafe if the adult’ s attention is not focused on both the dog and the baby. For example, passive supervision occurs when an adult is engaged in a phone conversation or preoccupied with another task while the baby and dog are in close proximity.
Reactive Supervision refers to instances where the parent is near both the baby and the dog but is unable to effectively manage their interactions due to not being properly positioned. Family Paws advocates a principle,“ Dog and Baby on the Scene, parent in between,” which is essential for proper supervision. A significant risk with Reactive Supervision arises when the parent notices a potentially dangerous situation and hastily intervenes, which may inadvertently provoke the dog. Example: an adult is a step behind the dog as it approaches the baby and rushes up from behind the dog to intercede.
Proactive Supervision entails both planning and preparation to ensure safe separation. This method of supervision requires not only the presence of a guardian but one who is engaged and continually aware. A parent practicing Proactive Supervision might employ“ Success Stations”( areas designed with physical barriers or management tools, which will be elaborated on in a subsequent column). Example: An adult is positioned between the baby and dog, or where the dog and baby are separated by a physical barrier such as a gate or play yard or preferably, both.
Active Supervision involves engaging with both the dog and the baby within the context of effective monitoring. In contrast to Proactive Supervision, where the guardian separates the dog from the baby, Active Supervision allows for closely supervised interaction with the dog while the baby is present. This form of supervision mirrors typical family dynamics as there are no physical barriers, but the guardian should always be between the baby and the dog. Effective active supervision is contingent on the dog having been gradually and incrementally acclimated to the presence of the baby, with no indications of stress. Example: a caregiver interacts with the dog while the baby is present without any barriers for separation.
Even gentle dogs may bite or unintentionally injure an infant. Playful interactions can sometimes lead to accidental bites, scratches,
or falls. Babies and toddlers often make unexpected movements and sounds that can startle dogs or trigger undesirable behaviors.
It is essential to effectively supervise interactions between dogs and babies. Simply being present isn’ t adequate. Additionally, supervision is a dynamic process. Supervision must be consistently and proactively adapted in response to changing circumstances. At Family Paws, LLC, we emphasize that,“ Babies grow and dogs age, adjust at every stage.”
Life offers limited opportunities for control. Overseeing the interactions between a baby and a dog is one such opportunity. It is essential to provide guidance to parents on how to proactively supervise interactions. The advantages are substantial, benefiting not only the parents, baby, and dog, but also the trainer— creating a safe and harmonious home environment for families is profoundly rewarding.
Jennifer Shryock is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant( CDBC) and Licensed Family Dog Mediator as well as the owner of Family Paws ® LLC in Cary, North Carolina. In 2000, her family adopted their first German Shepherd rescue dog. That inspired her work with the rescue organization as a counselor and trainer. There, she discovered families with babies or young children who found their situation overwhelming and were often on the verge of surrendering their cherished dog. Once she recognized new and expecting parents’ needs for support and education, she began developing resources for families and dog professionals. These passions fueled her creation of Family Paws™ Parent Education, which now offers programs across the United States, Canada, and beyond. By combining her special education experience, passion for supporting new families with her skills as a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, she was able to create programs that support parents looking to prepare for life with a dog and baby and dogs and toddlers.
John D. Visconti, CPDT-KA is the owner of Rising Star Dog Training Services, LLC and Rising Star Dog Training, LLC, based in Cary, North Carolina. His first book,“ Fetch More Dollars for Your Dog Training Business” was the 2015 winner of the prestigious Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award reference book of the year. His most recent book,“ Pepper Becoming,” recounts his eventful and unlikely journey with an abandoned, unwanted shelter dog. John has written several columns for BARKS from the Guild and Association for Professional Dog Training International’ s Chronicle of the Dog. He has also served as a chair for the APDT International’ s business subcommittee and presented several coaching lectures and webinars to dog training schools and force-free organizations.
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2025 43