Introducing the Family Dog to Children

After months and months of begging, the parents finally give in and get their children a dog. When the two are introduced it is easy to assume that the children and the new dog will get along perfectly. Unfortunately this is not the way it usually goes. There are few things parents need to know to help this life transition go smoothly.

The Right Dog

Parents should do a lot of research before they spring for a dog. There are some breeds that will not do well with small children. Dogs such as Rottweilers or Dobermans who have a history of possible aggression, those bred for guard duties, and dogs that have instincts to hunt prey will most often be a bad match for families with small children. This can pose a significant danger to the child. But these aren't the only dogs that may be the wrong fit. Those said to be "gentle giants" such as Great Danes or St. Bernards could be a bad combination with small children too. Though these dogs are very friendly, they are very big and can knock over little kids running them over, or causing them to fall into things. This can be dangerous to small children as well.

Usually small dogs seem like a great fit for families with small children but sometimes that combo can be just as wrong as small kids, big dog. Some small dogs are fragile (like the Chihuahua) and can be hurt by the toddler's rough play. The reverse is true as well, some small dogs don't realize they are small, such as the Jack Russell Terrier and may be just as rough during play as some large dogs. There are some small dogs that are also territorial too or may not be tolerant with the clumsiness or accidental roughness of small children.

The Right Time

After doing the research and choosing a smart, easy to train dog that gets along well with children, and that matches any other important qualifications, parents should take a moment to make sure they really want a dog. Just because children beg for a puppy doesn't mean that it is the right time. Parents will have a lot of responsibility with this dog especially if the majority of the children in the house are small and are not able to help take care of the pet. If the family wants to get a puppy, that is just like getting a new baby. They will take a lot of time. If the family is adopting an older dog, there is still a lot of time that will need to be invested in taking care of this new family member. If the parents are not willing to take this responsibility on, one hundred percent, then maybe it isn't the right time.

Introduction

Children are going to have to be taught how to behave with the dog just as much as the dog will need to be trained how to behave around children. It would be smart for parents to sit down with the children before the dog is in the house and discuss how the kids need to behave now. It will be safer if children don't yell and act too energetic around the dog, especially at the beginning. This can frighten the dog and cause confusion which may spark an abnormal reaction in a calm dog. Parents need to explain any responsibilities that kids will need to take on now that they have a dog. It is especially important that toys as well as other important things get put away so they don't become the next chew toy for the new puppy. There are new rules that children will need to follow like not feeding the dog from the table or not allowing the dog to sleep in their bed. Children need to commit to following these rules so that the dog will stay obedient to all that they will be taught in training.

By taking these things into consideration before the big introduction of the new dog and small children, the meeting can be a safe, happy and special experience. It can be the beginning of a classic and wonderful friendship between a child and their dog.

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