How to Teach Children to Get Along With Dogs From an Early Age

Children and dogs can peacefully coexist in the same household as long as parental oversight is provided during all stages of childhood development. Establishing early respect and boundaries can help children understand how to be good pet caretakers while protecting both the children and the animals from unintentional harm. Solid obedience training for your dog can also help you control potentially contentious interactions.

  1. Don't Leave Children Unattended

    • From the moment you bring your baby home, you should always monitor interaction between your dog and your child. Even the most gentle and well-behaved dog can become jealous or overly curious about a child, and it's your responsibility as a parent and a pet owner to train your dog in the ways it can and can't act around the baby. Never leave a baby or small child unattended with the dog, regardless of the faith you have in the animal or in the child.

    Feed Children and Dogs Separately

    • A child who waves around food becomes a target for a hungry, treat-seeking dog. Always make an effort to feed your child and your dog separately, disallowing feeding the dog from the table, and keeping your child away from the dog̵7;s feeding area. This prevents your child from teasing your dog with food and gives your dog peace and quiet when he̵7;s eating his own meal.

    Manage the Toddler Years

    • As soon as a baby learns to start reaching and grabbing for things, there's a good chance your dog̵7;s ears, tail and fur could become targets. Any time your child makes a grab for your dog, gently remove her hand and say ̶0;no.̶1; This will lay the foundation for appropriate treatment of your pup. Never let a child, even a young one, see you physically reprimand your dog or your child could follow in your footsteps and think it's OK to hit the dog.

    Handling Rough Play

    • Teach your dog how to handle rough play and sloppy hugs by gently tugging his fur when you pet him, rewarding him for tolerating the behavior. While you don̵7;t want to allow or encourage yelling, pulling at, chasing or hurting the dog, some amount of physical interaction is likely, and should be planned for. Encourage your child to treat the family pet like you would teach her how to treat a sibling, emphasizing acceptable and unacceptable actions. When a child is old enough to help with your dog̵7;s care, teach her how to gently brush the pup, feed and water, bathe and walk the dog. As your child grows, provide increasing levels of responsibility, helping your child and dog establish a loving bond.