Dogs enter families with children

For families with children, it is better to choose a puppy that has a good experience with children. An older dog should see how it reacts to children before exposing it to children. Before dogs come into the family, teach the children how to deal with animals. Children should understand that animals are different from toys. Encourage children to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, such as grooming the dog or adding water to the dog's water basin.

Older children can learn to train dogs for obedience. These activities let the dogs know that children are of a higher social status than they are.

Newborn Babies and Domestic Dogs

A newborn baby takes a lot of time and attention from parents to feed. About the same amount of time is spent with a dog as with a baby. If you want to change your dog's routine, let them adapt slowly, such as where to feed, sleep, and so on. Keep dogs in regular and safe contact with children throughout their lives.

Before the baby is born, slowly introduce the dog to the child's touch, such as petting and tugging the dog's ears, tail, or paws. Reward the dog if it accepts these actions. Teach your dog how to gently remove toys or food from your hands as instructed.

When the baby and the dog develop a good relationship, reward the dog with praise or food. Barking at a dog or locking it up can create a bad relationship between the dog and the child. Adults cannot socialize with dogs only when babies are sleeping. Before bringing the baby home, familiarize the dog with the sounds and smells of the baby. While the baby is still in the hospital, take home baby-smelling items for the dog to sniff.

Teach children how to deal with dogs

Children learn primarily by “doing.” Many life skills for children, such as crossing the street, grooming and eating, are learned from parental demonstrations to children. Telling children Don't...! does not give children enough information or skills. Telling a child don't cross the street there does not tell the child where to cross the street or why he can't. Telling the children to cross the street from the school sidewalk because there is a guarantee that all cars will stop is a more appropriate instruction. Children need to learn how to deal with dogs, and they need active instruction and direct demonstration.

Show your child how to do what he wants to do, tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it. Break an event into many small steps to teach the children.

Tell the children where they can touch the dog, such as the dog's jaw and front chest. Dogs should be held on a leash while parents instruct children through the set. Hold the child's hand and teach him the correct slap movements and where to slap. Once the child can do this continuously, the parent can gradually stop the demonstration.

Reward the child and the dog when they complete the specified action. If the child and the dog are not cooperative, don't insist. Try again at another time. Don't think that once this action is done, the child will remember the correct sequence of actions to pat the dog in the right place. Children need a little more help and observation to fully master the technique.

Children get excited easily when an unfamiliar dog approaches

children. Their general reaction to excitement is to run and scream. This can frighten the dog, who is just curious, or wants to come and play. Approaching unfamiliar dogs should be approved by the dog owner.

When an unfamiliar dog approaches, tell the children to stand like a sculpture with their hands on their sides. The dog might just take a sniff and walk away. It is important for children to understand not to make eye contact with dogs, as eye contact with dogs sends a strong message of control and can be perceived by dogs as a threat.