Children and Dogs: A Quick Guide

All the children and dog loving people in the world adore those cutesy pictures that capture the love between dogs and their tiny people, but it takes patience to get the pieces to fit perfectly when you first bring your puppy home. It is possible for children and dogs to have wonderful, life-long relationships, however it takes some time and training on both parts to start it off on the right foot.

Here are some tips to kick start the relationship between children and dogs and set it in the right direction:

Give Your Dog Space

Your canine companion is going to need a few days to adjust. Give your dog a week or so to get use to his surroundings before you allow your child and your pup to have close contact. Small introductions frequently are a good way to get them use to each other, for instance allowing your child to feed your pup.

Provide Your Dog Simple Commands

It’s always a good idea for your pup to know simple commands like “sit” and “stay”. This helps to keep your excited pooch under control around anyone he may come into contact with, including your children.

Training the Child About the Dog

I know it sounds strange but your kids are going to need some training too! Let them know that rough play is NEVER allowed! Also, they should know not to hover over the pup or give them the “stare down”. Hovering can make you pup feel very corner and scared and they may lash out, and no one wants that!

Positive Reinforcement for Your Dog

Always reinforce good behavior! If your pup sits when you look at him, lays down, rolls over, or gives a lick instead of nibbles, make sure to give him a tiny treat as an award. Also, just giving them some love and affection does the trick.

Supervision of Child and Dog

Your children and dog should never go unsupervised. Accidents can happen in seconds, so you always want to make sure someone is looking out for your little ones, both offspring and furry!