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Kids and Dogs

Kids and Dogs

Dogs and kids

There’s a special bond between a kid and their dog. With their unending energy, loving spirits and joyful exuberance, kids and dogs are often a wonderful match.

That’s why many parents decide to bring a dog into the home, plus it helps teach children how to care for another being while infusing an extra element of fun into daily life. Children who don’t get to have a family pet of their own may get the chance to spend time playing with a family member’s or friend’s dog.

For the experience to be a positive one for both dog and child, however, parents need to teach their children how to properly interact with their canine companions and those they meet away from home. Keep reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

Bringing a dog into the home

If you are bringing a dog into a home where kids are already present, you’ll need to establish house rules and enforce them from the moment your new dog or puppy arrives. The entire family must be on the same page and follow the same rules. Eventually, even young children should be able to give cues for behaviors your dog has already learned to follow.

Introducing dogs and children ˇ

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A child should never be left alone with any dog. Allow them to get used to each other from across the room or yard while being supervised. Your children or dog may act differently than others they have interacted with, which can cause both to feel overwhelmed. Allow your new dog to keep a distance until they are comfortable, and don’t permit your kids to force them to be petted or hugged. Children should never corner a dog or approach one who is eating, chewing or sleeping. When the child is prepared and comfortable, the dog should always be the one to approach the child, not the other way around. To avoid overwhelming the dog and to help prevent accidents, utilize baby gates, play pens and a crate, if the dog is appropriately crate trained. These physical barriers between the dog and children are useful during introductions and anytime the dog and children cannot be supervised together.  Be sure your children understand the importance of treating your new dog gently and exhibiting calm behavior. Running around, screaming or petting a dog with too much exuberance can be overwhelming for your pet.

Allowing your children to help with basic care ˇ

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The age at which your children can begin assisting with basic dog care and training depends not only on their ages and commitment levels but also on your dog's breed, age and disposition. A 10-year-old kid might be responsible and mentally mature enough to handle basic pet care but may not be physically able to safely control a large breed dog such as a German Shepherd or St. Bernard. Likewise, a 5- or 6-year-old child may be physically able to handle a Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua but might lack the understanding to care for the pet properly. The age of the dog also comes into play. Puppies often need a more experienced handler, especially when their early training isn’t yet complete. Under no circumstance should a child be expected to help with a challenging or difficult dog. Some dog care tasks, like gentle brushing for a pet who enjoys that interaction, are suitable for many younger children. Even if your child’s efforts don’t accomplish much at first, it helps them learn. Older kids may enjoy helping with walks, feeding and even basic dog training. 

Supervising your kids and dogs ˇ

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Even if you decide to let your child take on some of the responsibility of caring for the family dog, remember that your pet’s wellbeing remains in your hands. It’s up to you to supervise interactions and ensure your dog’s needs are being met. For example, your child may be put in charge of feeding time, but you’re in charge of determining your dog’s overall diet, rations and schedule (and ensuring your kid follows through at every mealtime). Consider having your child use a measuring scoop that has been clearly marked to avoid overfeeding. Kids can learn many valuable life lessons by helping to take care of the family dog, including responsibility, empathy and kindness. It just takes some supervision to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Working together on training ˇ

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Kids can do a great job and have a lot of fun teaching dogs to follow basic cues like sit, stay, shake and heel. Again, the key is to keep things fun and effective while still allowing your children to feel the satisfaction of helping to train the family dog. Everyone in the family should be using the same methods for training so your dog doesn’t get confused. When young children want to walk the dog, start by using two leashes—one for you and one for your child. Older children may be able to handle the dog alone, as long as the two are compatible in size and the dog has good leash manners. Children must understand the importance of holding the leash at all times so your dog doesn’t get loose and potentially injured. Simple commands like sit are easy to teach and well within the abilities of many children. Show your child the steps of teaching sit: Say, “sit!” while guiding your dog’s nose upwards and back with a treat until they naturally sit down, then demonstrate how to offer a reward. Older children can tackle stay, down and other cues.

Encouraging quality bonding time ˇ

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Many kids are well suited to offer what your furry family member may relish the most—lots of love and attention. If your dog enjoys being brushed, demonstrate the proper technique. Encourage your child to sit on the floor and provide the type of attention that you know your dog enjoys, such as petting them, giving belly rubs, reading to them or just talking to them. Your child may also have fun playing a game of fetch outside. Ensure that your child is always safe and never left unsupervised. Kids can also offer treats to a dog who knows how to take them gently.

Teaching your children how to interact with other dogs

While many dogs are friendly and want to be petted and interact with people, not all dogs are comfortable with children. For everyone’s safety, your child should be taught what to do when they encounter an unknown dog.

Dogs and kids

Introducing yourself to pet parents and dogs ˇ

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When children meet a dog they don't know, they should always ask the pet parent, "May I please pet your dog?" If the pet parent says yes, always allow the dog to approach the child first and teach your child to start at the dog’s side and avoid petting their head. With an unknown dog, you may want to ask the handler to keep the dog’s attention while your child pets the dog on their side or back. Your child should not stand directly in front of the dog’s face since an innocent exuberant lick or jump could cause injury. If a dog seems afraid or backs away, leave the dog alone. Let the dog approach you, and don't force the dog to be petted. Don't allow kids to put their faces right in front of any dog's face or try to kiss or hug a dog.

Knowing what a reactive dog looks like ˇ

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Teach your children how to recognize when a dog is nervous or reactive. Barking, growling, and snarling with their teeth showing, ears laid flat, legs stiff, tail up, hair standing up on their back and leaning away from the child are some of the indications that a dog should be left alone. 

Knowing when to stay away ˇ

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In some cases, the dog may be friendly but the situation won’t be ideal for interactions. Teach your child to keep a safe distance from any dog who is eating or chewing on a bone or toy. Some dogs are food reactive and respond aggressively if they think you will take their food away. Additionally, make sure children know that they should not approach a mother dog with puppies. Mothers will often try to protect their puppies from strangers, and even a normally friendly dog could bite. Stay away from a dog who is chained or in a fenced yard. Dogs may bite to protect themselves because they can't get away. The dog doesn't know you won't hurt them. Teach children not to shout, run around or reach at dogs through open fences or windows. A child should never approach an unknown dog whose pet parent is not around.

Knowing what to do when bitten ˇ

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If bitten, your child needs to tell an adult right away. Wash the wound with soap and water, then seek medical care as bite wounds can become infected. Try to remember what the dog looked like, if they were wearing a collar and the dog’s location. If the pet parent can be located, ask about the dog’s vaccination status so you can relay that information to your child’s pediatrician. You may also need to contact animal control.

Creating a lifelong bond

Dog training

For many dogs, their favorite human quickly becomes the child in the home. And for many kids, their dog becomes an important companion. Teaching your child how to interact positively with your dog can lead to a lifelong bond between the two, a rewarding scenario for all. One of the best ways to start this relationship out on the right foot is to invest in professional training. Consider a training program that allows your child to attend the sessions as well. This can help everyone in the family learn how to provide your dog with a safe, healthy home environment.

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