Dogs and children need your guidance and supervision to live together
happily ever after. Here are some tips that will help your family get
along.
One of the best ways to introduce your new dog to your children is to
ask your children to help you to massage and pet your dog. This will
help getting your children used to having the dog around and becoming
responsible for having the dog or puppy in the house. Soon it will be
second nature and your children will be less unsure of having the dog
around in their space. It will also help the dog to be more
comfortable when having different people handling her.
If you don't have a dog now, but are getting one soon, start exposing
your child(ren) to dogs and how to act around them. Help them learn to
respect each dog's space and preferences. Teach them not to approach
unleashed dogs. If a dog is leashed always ask the dog's owner first,
and then to move slowly. Explain that the dog will want to sniff them,
and explain that's how a dog identifies you. Experts recommend keeping
hands down along the sides of the body. Dogs have such a keen sense of
smell that they don't' need us to hold hands out. Warn the child that
if a dog has been abused in the past she may snap at a hand coming
towards her.
Just as you will establish house rules for your dog (stay off the
couch, etc.) it is important to establish boundaries for children in
regards to your pet. Teach your child(ren) to never take a toy from
your dog. Dogs are often especially possessive about their toys. Kids
and dogs make great playmates, but teach your children that if they
play roughly, the dog will respond in kind. Even though the dog
doesn't mean to hurt your child, accidents happen. Playing fetch is a
better game than wrestling between kids and dogs.
An excellent way for your child to bond with your dog is to take part
in training her. Giving her treats as a reward for correct behavior is
a delight to kids, and it raises the child's position in your dog's
eyes. Just as your dog develops respect for your child, help your
child do the same. Teach your children that dogs are living beings
with likes, dislikes, and fears of their own. Help them see their pet
as more than entertainment, but as a cherished member of the family.
It is important that your child(ren) respect your dog or puppy and
respect her as a member of the family and do not see her as a
plaything. While petting and playing with the dog is acceptable, and
helps the dog exercise, you should not let children abuse the dog by
pulling its fur or hitting it, or harming it in any way. You should
also make sure that your children do not tease your dog at feeding
time. The dog will become ill-disciplined and will not respect you or
the regular feeding times that you have established.
While these suggestions might seem negative, you should emphasize to
your children the great companionship and love that they can expect
when a child and a dog have a good relationship.
Best Pet Health
Information is a resource which will help you find infomation,
hints and tips to keeping your dog happy and healthy.
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