Every dog owner with kids wants their pup to be friendly with their children. There’s nothing sweeter to watch than kids and a pet become close companions. It’s exceptionally cute. However, some dogs do not naturally behave in a friendly way towards children. Some are apprehensive because they do not associate kids or people with positive feelings.
Here are some ways to help your dog get along with kids.
Set Realistic Expectations
Like human beings, dogs have different personalities and temperaments. Some dogs are social, shy, or protective. These factors should inform how you approach communications between a dog and kids.
Teach Your Dog Basic Commands
You will want your dog to learn basic obedience training before being introduced to kids. Commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘leave it’ can help manage dog/children interactions. Don’t forget to reward good behaviour with treats and lots of verbal praise.
Gradual Introductions
Introduce a dog to kids gradually. Allow your dog to observe the kids from a distance. Gradually increase exposure over a week, monitoring the dog’s comfort level.
Keep Exposure Sessions Short
Focus on short sessions between dogs and kids. Dogs have limited attention spans, and you don’t want to overwhelm them with too much exposure. Aim for 5-10 minutes at most. Always end things on a positive note before giving your dog some alone time.
Praise Calm Behavior
If your dog struggles to connect with your kids, praise them when they are calm. Encourage positive behaviour in them. Consider using Acana dog food or dog treats to reinforce positive interactions.
Gentle Interactions
Some children, especially young ones, can be rough with a pet. Ensure they are soft and gentle and do not pull on their tail or ears. Slow, calm movements are always best, only when your dog allows them.
Use Dog Treats
If your dog is apprehensive about kids, you must desensitize and counter-condition it. As a child approaches, give your dog treats. Give your dog treats when a child is near but not interacting directly with them. This is to associate the presence of children with positive, wonderful feelings.
No Hugs for a Dog
As nice as seeing a child hug a dog can be, we want to avoid hugs early on. A hug can feel constraining to a dog that’s particularly nervous or has not yet built trust with the other person. Therefore, no hugs to start.
When to Leave the Dog Alone
Ensure your kids know to leave the dog alone when it sleeps or eats. Dogs need their personal space, and kids must maintain this distance. A moody, interrupted, or startled dog will likely bite back.
Give Your Dog a Safe Space
Ensure your dog has somewhere to retreat to if they get overwhelmed. In most homes, this is where crate training can come into play. Make their crate comfy with a bed and some toys and nestle it in a quiet area. Communicate to your kids that this area is off-limits for them and a dog-only space.
Supervise All Interactions
Monitor the interactions between your dog and kids. Watch your dog for any signs of discomfort. Stiff body language or growling is a sign to intervene immediately. Please do not give them a second chance or try to calm your pup verbally. Physically get in between your dog and the kids.
Keep Your Dog Happy
Make sure you take your dog out for walks, feed them on a schedule, and engage with them independently for playtime. Dogs thrive on routine. A predictable routine will reduce anxiety, and a happy dog means easier interactions with your kids.
Exercise Your Dog
Exercise, walks, and outdoor play will wear out a dog, and a tired dog is calmer. Please allow them to release their pent-up energy.
Play But No Roughhousing
Teach kids how to play with your dog. To start, use simple, appropriate games, such as fetch. Avoid rough play. Ensure your kids use toys rather than their hands to reduce the risk of an accidental bite.
Consult a Professional Trainer
It’s time to consult a professional dog trainer if you’ve taken the steps and your dog is still not interested in interacting with your kids. A dog can be angry or scared. Don’t force the interaction. A professional dog trainer can provide custom, tailored advice to help your dog find their way.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Ensure your dog has regular check-ups to confirm that it is healthy and pain-free. Sometimes, a dog is angry or bothered by a physical injury or a health issue that has not been addressed.
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