Kids and Dogs
I am sure you and maybe your kids or family’s or friends’ kids are excited about your new addition!! Kids and dogs are one of those things that make us all smile. Unfortunately kids don’t always know how to act around dogs. I see it every day on social media…. pictures of “cute” kids and dogs where the dog is clearly uncomfortable and trying to use its body language to tell them. I even see it here on occasion with my daughter’s friends and I have to show them how to interact with dogs. If you have kids this may be one of the most important things that you read.
Our Top Tips for Kids and Puppies
Let the puppy come to you
Kids can sit quietly on the floor and let the puppy choose to say hello.
Gentle touches only
Pet softly on the chest or back. No hugging, kissing, picking up or grabbing ears and tails.
Let sleeping puppies lie
Leave your puppy alone while they eat, chew or sleep. Their crate is their safe, quiet place.
A grown-up is always watching
Keep play calm and short, and never let kids chase the puppy or run and scream around them.
Learn the “I need a break” signs
Yawning, lip licking, turning away, showing the whites of the eyes or a tucked tail. When you see them, it’s time for a rest.
Give kids a job
Filling the water bowl or asking for a “sit” before a treat helps kids and puppies build a great bond.
For more, read Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs by Dr. Sophia Yin.