Ft. Yukon Todller Killed by Dog

This sad story out of Alaska begs a number of questions. According to this story, a 1-1/2 year old toddler went across a street to a neighbor's house, into the backyard, and was killed by a Husky mix that was eating. While this is tragic, it does bring up several points for discussion.

First, of course, toddlers need close supervision - it's hard to comprehend how one could go such a distance before anyone noticed. Beyond supervision, parents must realize that toddlers move in strange and unpredictable ways that many dogs may find threatening. Never assume a dog will respond favorably to your toddler.

As a dog owner, is your dog left out in the yard? Is your yard fenced? Does your dog show any aggression issues around children or while eating? Dog ownership is a responsibility, and part of that responsibility means protecting your dog from potential problem situations. It also means supervising your dog in new or unusual circumstances, making sure your dog is well behaved, and teaching your dog to understand that you're in charge. These things are particularly important with large breeds.