Having a dog in a household with children can be incredibly rewarding for everyone involved. We love our dogs, and nothing can compare to fond memories of being a kid and growing up with your furry companion! Not only are dogs family members, they can teach kids a lot about responsibility, compassion, and unconditional love. In order for everyone to be happy and safe, it is important that this relationship is built on a foundation of safety, respect, and understanding. This is where training comes in!
Advocating for Both Kids and Dogs
As parents and dog owners, it is our responsibility to advocate both for our kids and our pups. The needs and boundaries of both matter.
The BIGGEST mistake we, as dog trainers, see when it comes to homes with both dogs and kids is parents believing that dogs need to tolerate everything kids do. That is very unfair to dogs. Situations that are stressful for dogs can unfortunately spiral into very dangerous situations. We’ve gotten countless questionnaires in about “bite risk” and “aggressive” dogs that have bitten a child. We then learn that the kid was standing on the dog, pulling on its ears or tail, or getting in the dog’s face. That is not representative of a dog that is inherently aggressive – instead, those dogs are usually dogs that have tried their best to communicate with body language only to be ignored. Any dog, no matter how tolerant, has a limit.
As the responsible adults, it is our duty to make sure our kids are making good life choices around their canine companions. Following the basic rules below will be a great place to start!
Rules for Kids!
Kids, especially young kids, may not always know how to interact with dogs properly. Dogs are not toys nor should they be treated as human playmates. It is important for kids to learn to respect their furry friends. They need to be taught that dogs have their own feelings, likes, and dislikes. Our pups need space to rest, and they might not always be in the mood to play around. The following tips are a great start at ensuring safety for all.
- RULE #1: DO NOT leave children and animals unsupervised. A lot of pet owners do not like to think of their dogs as animals and prefer to consider them family. While dogs are part of our family, they also have 42 very sharp teeth and cannot speak up for themselves if uncomfortable. It is our responsibility to supervise to ensure everyone is happy and comfortable.
- Kids need to never approach dogs when they are sleeping or eating. In addition to that, if a dog is on Place (and cannot retreat if uncomfortable because there is an expectation of staying under a command), they need to be left alone then as well.
- A dog that is moving away from a kid and exhibiting signs of stress (lip licking, yawning, whale eyeing, tense body posture) needs to be left alone.
- Teach your child about dog body language, and signs that their pup may be happy or may be uncomfortable.
- Allowing your kids to assist with taking care of your dog can help teach them responsibility, but it is our responsibility to make sure the dog’s needs are met.
- Very few dogs actually enjoy hugging. It is best if kids aren’t in a position where their face is anywhere near a dog’s face.
Rules for Dogs
Training is crucial. A well-trained dog that has good manners is a lot less likely to exhibit bad behavior like jumping, nipping, or being overly excited. That in itself means there is less need of micromanagement between dogs and kids, and everyone is safer.
Training isn’t just for your dog, being a part of training is crucial for the entire family. Children old enough to participate in training sessions and their parents can learn how to effectively communicate with their dog. This shared learning experience can strengthen the bond between family members and their pup! It will allow kids and dogs to “speak the same language,” and training built on a positive foundation will make dogs offer the behaviors we want to see.
A Note on Newborns
Welcoming a newborn into your home is such a special time in your life, and it is natural for all parents to be concerned about how their furry companion will adjust to the new addition to the family. We understand the excitement and challenges that come along with this transition, and would like to stress that your dog and your newborn do not have to directly “meet” or interact. In fact, it is best that they do not, initially.
Anyone who has ever held a newborn can attest to the fact that they seem impossibly delicate. The gentlest of dogs can accidentally cause harm to a baby by innocent behavior like pawing or licking. Dogs can also carry germs that aren’t harmful to us, but can be harmful to a newborn with a developing immune system.
Dogs are naturally curious, and the sudden arrival of a tiny loud creature can be exciting or confusing to them. They’re going to be intrigued by the new sounds, movements, and smells, and a dog’s excitement can lead to unpredictable behavior. One mistake parents make is reaching towards the dog in efforts to let the dog “sniff.” A baby isn’t an “offering” to a dog, and needs to not be perceived as one. And taking the baby away afterwards can seem as taunting or encouraging the dog to play or chase. Your dog needs to learn that a baby isn’t something to be excited or nervous about – a baby is something very boring (but loud, and that’s okay!) and has nothing to offer them. When your dog ignores your baby, good things happen.
Some Tips for a Smooth Transition
Create separate spaces – There need to be areas in your home that are designated just for you and your baby. Having the nursery be a no-dog area helps establish boundaries and reduces risk of accidental interactions. You would never put your baby in your dog’s crate with your dog – the dog should never go in the baby’s space. This is also the place you can leave your baby unsupervised, if need be.
Crate your dog – Your dog needs a space that is his. Babies are very loud. Loud babies create stressed parents, and dogs are experts at picking up on our body language. All those things can stress your dog out. Give your dog a quiet break in his crate as well as a safe toy to chew on, like a Nylabone.
Supervision when together – If your dog and your baby are in the same room, always supervise closely. Even a brief moment of inattention can lead to scary consequences, even if the dog has zero ill intent.
Gradual introductions are key – It is best to allow your dog to gradually get used to your baby. You will know it is time to give your dog more freedom is when your dog is bored by your baby’s existence.
Pay for good life decisions – If your dog is making good choices without you having to manage it, always reward with something your dog likes! This will influence your dog’s behaviors in the future – your pup will offer those behaviors in effort to get rewarded again.
Maintain routines – A new baby in the house can be stressful on a dog. Having a routine your dog can rely on would greatly help your dog adjust.
At K9 Guide, we offer specialized dog training programs that focus on obedience owners can rely on, great manners, and reinforcing a calm state of mind inside the home. We have (and love!) dogs and kids and have personal experience managing a household with multiple dogs and children. Not only do we know how to do it ourselves – we’ve helped countless people create a harmonious home with kids and dogs, where everyone is safe, happy, and enjoying each others’ company.
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