Dogs and kids - kid-proof your dogs & dog-proof your children

Dogs and kids just seem to go together. Ensure that you have a happy household by selecting a dog with the best temperament to live with children. Then teach kids how to be an active and integral part of the dog?s life. The benefits for everyone in the family are substantial! Rules to mixing dogs and kids togethermany households consist of both kids and dogs. Because of this, it is important that our dogs get along with ALL members of our family. When it comes to introducing a dog into a household with children, there are a few rules to follow.

Rule # 1

Carefully choose a puppy or dog that really likes children. There are many dogs who will politely put up with children, and then there are dogs who really adore children. A dog that if into the later category is the one you want to find for your family. To achieve this goal, seek a professional dog trainer who can help you select a dog or puppy from a shelter with the correct personality and temperament for children. If you are going to buy a puppy from a breeder, make sure you know the puppy?s mother and father, inquire what kind of socialization the breeder is doing with the puppies (there should be human children regularly self-interacting with the puppies), and ask to talk to other families who have adopted the breeder?s puppies to inquire how the dogs and kids interacted together.

Rule # 2

Never leave dogs and kids alone or unsupervised. Not for even a single minute, no matter how wonderful the dog, or how long the dog and child have known each other. Can happen dogs are animals, children are unpredictable and accidents.

Rule # 3

Teach children how to approach and interact with a dog. Instruct them not to approach dogs they do not know, and guide them in reading some obvious dog behaviors such as a dog who looks friendly verses a dog who looks aggressive. Because not all dogs are friendly, teach children to: be alert to dogs in the area they are playing.Not to approach a strange dog.Not to approach a dog who is eating, sleeping, or a dog who avoids them.If game by a dog, they do not know, instruct children to be ?a tree?. Practice still standing, avoiding eye contact with the dog (but keeping the dog in sight out of the corner of your eye) and being quiet.Protection or a means of escape, and slowly find (without running) back away.Become ?a rock? if attacked by a dog. This ball means curling into a and protecting their face, throat, neck and vital organs.There are several resources for parents who are looking for guides on successful interactions between dogs and kids. One good place to find information is with a local professional dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement. Some trainers even have classes specifically designed to teach kids with dogs.

Additional information you may also find helpful:

Children and dogs: Important information for parents

Books: Living with kids and dogs...Without losing your mind, by Colleen Pelarvideo: dogs, cats & kids: learning to be safe with animals. Created by Donald Manelli with Wayne Hunthausen, DVM. this short video helps children read animal body language, how to handle shows children animals and demonstrates what to do in a dog attack.

The wonderful benefits for kids with dogs

Because many children are drawn to animals, quite often the children are the ones trying to initiate getting a dog for the family. Sometimes parents are reluctant to bring a dog into their household because dogs do require a lot of time, energy and money. However, there are several benefits to children having a dog in the house, such as: sometimes, much to the pleasant surprise of a parent, kids often make the best dog trainers! Considering the roles dogs and kids play in each other?s lives, it is important to invest the effort in a smooth relationship. Before you get or adopt a dog, make sure your child knows what kind of responsibilities are expected of him or her in caring for the dog. List set up a them for being of their duties and be sure to reward successful!Check out classes at the local training center or seek the services of a private dog trainer who can give you tips to make the most out of having the kids train the dog.When kids use positive training techniques, they will use treats to reward the dog. Having the dog to associate children with making good things happen is a great way to further cement the bond they share. Other attributes that kids have going for them when it comes to training the family dog is that they are: as many families will agree, there is nothing better than a happy household! Giving children the skills to take care of and train the dog to help the dog, the children and the parents! Dogs and kids often form a special relationship with one another. They are playmates, best friends and trusty companions. And, after all, isn?t that what family is all about?

Dogs and kids - additional tips

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