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A friendly dog should have no trouble getting along with children; however, some dogs need a little help. If you’re a pet owner who’s a bit nervous about having your dog around children, unsure of how they may behave, rest assured that many dogs are capable of learning what’s expected of them around kids.
Once a dog is comfortable around children, the resulting relationship can be extremely rewarding. Here are some simple tips to help get your dog used to children.
Supervise your dog
Never leave your dog unattended around a child. As the dog’s owner, you must be present and attentive to ensure both parties are safe and protected if mixing dogs and kids.
Always keep your dog on a leash around playgrounds
Never take your dog off-leash near a playground. If your dog is scared of children outside the home, off-leash in a park may be too risky.
Know your dog’s warning signs
A dog may suddenly dislike being around children. If they growl, signal stress in any way, or you’re starting to perceive them to be agitated, end the interaction immediately. Take your dog to a place where they can be alone for a few minutes.
Treats and food
When you’re completely comfortable with your dog around children, talk to your your child about handling, preparing, and presenting treats or Acana dog food. This can help your dog understand that they are a safe and friendly person to be around. Always supervise your dog very closely when giving treats and feeding.
Establish a safe zone
A dog who needs a quick cool-down will appreciate a safe zone. This can be behind a gate, inside a closed room with you, or outside for a minute.
Keep your child calm
When around any dog, children should try to stay calm. Avoid sudden movements, hitting, or high voices. Simple, calm behaviour will help your dog feel safe and pave a pathway towards a positive interaction.
Exposure through a physical barrier
Try exposing your dog to your child through a gate or similar physical barrier. Take it very slowly at first.
Keep your dog leashed
While you’re training your dog to deal with children, it’s important to keep it leashed. This allows you to stay in control of the situation.
Be patient with your dog
Your dog has its own temperament, comfort preferences, and social background. Be patient if your dog does not appear to be as friendly, welcoming, and confident around children as you believe it should be. Take things at their pace.
Train your dog and never punish
Use only positive training. Don’t punish your dog if it behaves negatively. You don’t want your dog to associate anything negative with being around children, so always keep it positive.
Pair the presence of kids with positives
Continue exposing your dog to kids in different ways. It could even be sitting across the room or in the park from children and letting them have their favourite dog food. They could also play with their favourite dog toy or enjoy a special treat.
Teach children how to pet your dog
Children may not know how to express appreciation, care, and love for a dog. They may grab them too hard or accidentally hurt your dog, which can negatively impact both dog and child. Take the time to teach your children about dog needs and how to care for your pup.
What children should be taught
Here are some key things to teach your child about interacting with your dog to ensure safe play:
- Do not disturb a dog when they’re in their crate.
- Do not try to interact with a dog when they are eating or sleeping. It could startle them.
- Do not pull a dog’s ears, tail, or other body parts.
- Do not hug a dog as it could feel constraining to them and scare them.
- Do not touch a dog while it’s chewing a bone or hovering over its favourite toy.
- Do not make sudden movements or loud noises around a dog as this can scare them.
Continue rewarding your dog
Always let your dog know they are doing well with treats and verbal praise, even if they are already well-trained. Kids can be unintentionally rough sometimes, so if a dog is exposed to a pull, poke, or tight squeeze, always reward your dog for good behaviour.
Have you got any tips to add for helping children and dogs get along?
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