Teaching Children to Handle Dogs

Your kid will need to learn the rules of playing with the family pup, for their safety and for the pups.

Let's face it: kids can be rough. Just look at the mangled and matted stuffed animals strewn across your child's bedroom. Introducing a living, fragile, self-protective animal into this environment could be disastrous. So before you bring home a new pet, make sure your children know how to handle their furry family members.

When your child meets a new dog, he or she should approach slowly and extend one hand in a fist with the palm down. During the approach, your child should talk softly to the dog.

If the dog sniffs your child's outstretched hand and seems friendly, she's giving your little one permission to pet her gently. If the dog looks fearful or growls, leave her alone and try again another time. Tell your children never to pet a dog who is not part of your family without the go-ahead from both the dog's owner and the dog.

Dogs are just so cute! Your children may want to hug and squeeze them. But such intensity can frighten dogs - and can be dangerous for smaller dogs. Instead, explain to your child that dogs love to be stroked on the neck, scratched under the chin and around the ears, and patted on their sides. Also tell your children to avoid patting dogs on their heads and backs; some dogs find this threatening.

Young children shouldn't carry puppies around. A puppy can easily squirm out of a child's hands and hurt herself or your child. When your children are older, you can teach them the right way to pick up and hold a dog: Place your right hand under the dog's chest, cradle her bottom with your left hand, and carry her close to your body, while you support her feet.

How would your children like it if someone bothered them while they were chowing down, sleeping, or playing a video game? Dogs need time to themselves just as much as we do. So tell your kids to let their dog eat, sleep, and play with her chew toys by herself. And give your dog some privacy by making her sleeping area off-limits for your kids.

It's fun to have a staring contest with friends and family, but tell your kids to exclude the dog from this game. If a child stares at a dog, the dog may think he is trying to establish dominance, and your dog may respond
aggressively to show her own dominance.

Dogs don't understand that yelling, running, or repetitive actions like swinging are part of your child's play. And a dog can get riled up or scared and respond by chasing your child, jumping, or barking at your child. If this happens, tell your child to stand still and stay quiet until the dog calms down and walks away. Then explain that it's better not to play rough when the dog's around.

Teasing a dog who is confined behind a fence or in a crate can excite or anger her. Nobody likes to be teased. And if the dog gets loose, she may take her frustration out on your child. So make sure your children know that teasing animals is against the rules.

Don't let all these potential problems stop you from getting a dog. A child's relationship with his dog can be one of the most rewarding of his life. And dogs enjoy the devoted attention that children happily provide. As long as your dog and your child respect each other, their relationship will blossom.