Socializing Your New Puppy--Kids and Dogs

Socializing Your New Puppy—Kids and Dogs 

Most kids love animals. Growing up with a dog provides memories they will treasure for the rest of their lives. From the very beginning, the very first day a new puppy arrives in your home, the child should know and accept the rules. Dogs are not stuffed animals. They must be treated with respect and take their special place in the family structure.

Before you bring a puppy into your home, do a little research. Is this breed known for its gentleness and patience when around children? How big will it grow? What puppy supplies do you need to purchase to make the new puppy comfortable?

Besides the obvious needs of the new puppy: food; a training crate; a sleeping bed; toys; you need to prepare the people in your home, especially the children,  as to how they are expected to treat the new member of the family.

If your children are still toddlers or very young children, you will need to supervise their contact at all times until both dog and child know what is expected of them.

Rules for children to follow…should be discussed before and after the puppy arrives. You should teach them how to approach, handle and speak to a puppy. For example:

Puppies will most likely be at eye level with small children. A puppy is afraid of anything new, including a child in his face. Teach children to greet and speak to the puppy gently and not to pick it up (at least right away).

Explain to them that puppies are not toys and they will feel pain if you pull their ears or tail.

Instruct them not to go near their food dishes when they are eating or try to take a toy away from them. They should not scream at them; chase them; or do anything else that will provoke the puppy. Dog bites can be prevented if the child understands these rules and follows them. If you see them abusing the puppy, do not let them play with them until they can play nicely.

Kids and other dogs in the neighborhood. Children should learn to never go near a strange dog without permission from the owner. If a dog is penned in or attached to a running line, it should be left alone and not teased. If your child sees a loose dog they should report it to an adult immediately. They should never try to catch it. At the very least they should not go near it.

Kids are Kids and Dogs are Dogs…Remember never leave kids and dogs unsupervised no matter how gentle and well mannered the dog is. Any dog can become excited if the situation is right resulting in harm to the dog or to the child.

Best Friends. By setting up a mutual respect between your child and your puppy, a great friendship will be formed. A dog will always be faithful if they are socialized properly and treated humanely. They deserve it.