Getting your dog used to children

An infant

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Many families have dogs. When a new-born arrives into the family this is often an issue. Dogs are seen as unpredictable. Family members do not want to risk bringing dogs and small kids together. But if you happen to ask families that have had plenty of dogs and plenty of children you would know. Dogs can be taught to be really gentle on small children. In fact even ferocious dogs are gentle on small kids.

If you want to bring-up a dog, the best time would be when it is a puppy. During its growth you can change its personality to suit your needs. Training dogs is easier at the puppy stage. When dogs become big, they find it difficult to learn certain core skills.

Build a bond with your dog

A bond of trust and understanding has to happen between the dog and the master. This will help the master control the dog better. The dog responds to its master better if the bond is strong. In the future, when you have new-borns it will be easy for you to control your dog, and influence its behavior the way you want it to be.

Don’t tie the dog and get it used to children

When getting your dog used to children, don’t fasten it somewhere. You should hold your dog, while letting your children come and touch it. Children can be intimidating to the dog. Children have fast motions, will make eye-contact, and  raise their voice. All this might startle the dog initially. But if you have a firm grip on it, it should be OK after some time.

 

 

 

Helping Your Child Handle a New Pet

Helping a small child learn to get along with a new family pet can be a joyful time for your family. It an also be a challenge as you test the waters of this new relationship and help both child and pet to navigate this new friendship.

Provide Information
Teach your child through conversations or picture books about caring for a pet and about the animal. They can learn about what the animal likes to eat and what they like to do. You can also let the child help select the perfect name for your new family member. Talk about where the pet will sleep and what responsibilities the family will have in taking care of the pet. These preparations will help prepare the child for the new family member and create anticipation rather than fear.

Introduce in a Calm Setting
When your pet comes home, find a quiet time for the pet and child to meet. This will help discourage wild behavior on both their parts. Be sure you can be right there to keep an eye on things and help the pet and child to meet and get to know each other under good terms. Have your child offer a treat to the pet to feel connected and to show the pet that this is a nice person.

Teach gentle behaviors
Teach the child to let the new pet smell his or her hand and then gently pet the animal. Be sure that the pet stays calm and if you see your pet getting upset, take a break. Encourage your child when he or she acts nicely and encourage the pet when they are kind to the child. Positive reinforcement on both sides will go a long way in forging a good relationship between your child and your new pet.