How do I teach my child to interact with dogs?
Savanna McGlynn
2025-06-24 16:47:11
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: 20
Teach children from the earliest age possible to only use ‘gentle hands’ when playing with your dog, and never to do things like pull their tail or poke them in the eye. This type of play can cause even the most gentle and patient of dogs to lose their cool and react. Spend time teaching children appropriate ways to interact with dogs under close supervision, and watch their relationship flourish. Interactions between children and dogs should always be supervised, and always be ready to step in and give your dog - or your child - some separate space. When your dog is gentle and well-behaved around your child, reward them. This can either be with a treat or a high value reward, like a play with their favourite tug toy.
Yessenia Gorczany
2025-06-15 20:30:21
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: 14
The first step is to choose carefully when introducing a pet to your family. When choosing a dog for your family, the main consideration is whether they are comfortable around children, regardless of their size. Adult dogs can be a good fit for families with children because they are usually calmer than puppies and have established personalities, which makes it easier to teach your children how to interact safely with your dog. Introductions work best with children sitting calmly and quietly, allowing the pet to approach them at their own pace. Show them how to stroke the animal gently on the shoulder, avoiding the head, tail, belly, legs and feet. Offering your pet treats during these interactions will teach them to associate the presence of children with something good. You will need a set of family rules which will help your children to understand they must not do things that may frighten or harm their pets, and to avoid the animal potentially responding in fear by biting or scratching. Examples of family rules should include the following: Allow pets their space and never force interactions with them. Handle pets gently and teach children to avoid hugging dogs or cats, who may become fearful and reactive. Teach children to pick up dogs and cats by supporting their front and hind legs and body, and only under adult supervision. Always ask owners for permission before touching their dogs.
Dillan Haley
2025-06-06 09:44:48
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Always ask the owner before you pet a dog. Before you say hello to the dog, say hello to the owner. Explain to your child that it’s important to chat with owners first, because they know best whether it’s okay to pet an animal. When a child sees you having polite conversations with owners, they’ll be more likely to model your behavior. Greet dogs slowly. Once you get the go-ahead, teach your child to move slowly and give the pet space. Let a dog sniff your hand before you pet. The respectful way to meet a dog is to gently hold out a fist for the dog to sniff the top of it. Learn to read dog body language. If the dog backs away, tucks his tail between his legs, or tries to seek the protection of his owner, help your child read his body cues: The dog is telling us he needs a little space right now. Let’s back up and give him some. Never scream at or run away from a dog. Dogs can be easily startled, so loud noises or sudden movements can trigger their defense mechanism or cause the dog get too rowdy to play safely. Always supervise kids around pets.
Cory Block
2025-05-28 04:03:12
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: 11
Children need to learn how to properly interact with the new dog so that the transition will be as smooth as possible for everyone. Give the dog space. An excited child can easily overwhelm a dog before he's comfortable accepting the attention. Let the dog sniff around his new digs undisturbed to get the lay of the land. Let the dog initiate interaction. If the dog's homecoming is his first meeting with your child, tell her to stand still and hold out a closed fist for the dog to sniff. If the dog is accepting, the child can then pet him. Perhaps even more important is explaining to your child what not to do with any dog, new or otherwise. Certain behaviors should be avoided to prevent stress and potential injury to both the dog and child. Explain the following rules to your kids: Don't hug or squeeze the dog. Don't tease him. Don't run and shout. Don't ride him or play rough. Never disturb an eating or sleeping dog.
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