Socialize your Puppy
8-16 weeks is the critical development period. This period is when puppies are most likely to learn to accept and be comfortable with a variety of people and situations if introduced during this period. Use yummy treats and positive experiences with calm children including soft handling and petting to ensure a positive association is made. Keep reading to learn my Tips to Childproof Your Dog.
Start an Obedience Program
Basic commands such as their name, sit, and off are great cues to start with. “Off” is a great cue to help with the impulse to jump up. The sit cue is a behavior we ask for instead of jumping. Finally “Focus” or their name is good to redirect and have the check-in with you in new situations.
Practice Handling Exercises to Childproof your Dog
Not all kids are going to be gentle with your dog. Some may come up and hug them or tug their tail. Prepare your dog for this by positively handling your dog by playing with all aspects of their body and give treats and lots of praise.
Do not allow your dog to jump up
Jumping is an all-or-nothing behavior. Either you allow your dog to jump on you and everyone else or no one. If they jump up on you when you get home, say “off” and ask for a sit, then proceed to pet them. Repeat each time they jump up, eventually, they will catch on.
Introduce Dogs to Children’s Toys
Show your dog all the crazy toys kids have such as balls, bikes, high pitch noise-making toys, stuffed animals, and more. Sensitive dogs can be afraid of these toys and can associate them with children. Start introducing these toys without children and reward them with treats and praise.
Act Like a Kid to Childproof your dog
Work on your dog staying as you run around them and make loud noises. You can also use your local kid’s playground at a distance.
Crate Train Your Dog
Provide them an escape route so when they get overwhelmed they can go to their spot and feel safe. Teach children to respect the dog’s crate
DO NOT Force your Dog to Accept Children
Do not hold your dog against their will for children to pet them. Some dogs do not like to be petted and children need to respect that. Advocate for your dog to prevent potential safety threats. Respect the growl and back your dog up.
Keep it Positive ALWAYS when Childproofing your Dog
Positive reinforcement is key when in any new situation. Use high-value treats and praise to reinforce. Also, go at your dog’s pace and be aware of their body behavior.
Give Children Rules
Ask to pet someone’s dog
Pet Gently
Attention should not be forced on a dog
Educate on basic dog body behavior (age-dependent)
Dogs crate is off limits
Do not approach a dog when it has a bone
Leave the dog alone when sleeping
If you follow these Tips to Childproof Your Dog you are on the right path to having a great relationship between your dogs and children.
Always check to make sure an adult is with you when you are around a dog
Want help training your dog & child to interact peacefully? Contact me today to set up a session.