Bringing a new dog home is an exciting–and important–moment for your kids. While everyone is excited, it’s your job to manage the situation and create a safe, and happy, environment for your family.
What we'll cover in this article:
- How to prepare your kids for the arrival your dog
- Rules to put in place to make sure both your dog and kids are safe
- Details of your role as the dog’s primary care-giver
Prepare your kids for the presence of a dog
Have a conversation with your kids about how to best welcome your dog into your home. They need to understand how to approach, handle and interact with their new family member.
Go slow
Keep the initial interactions short, sweet, and accompanied by an adult. Depending on the age of your kids and your comfort level, feeding, structured training, and soft playing are all good initial activities to get your kids and dog comfortable.
Make sure your dog has a safe place to retreat to if needed
Set up a “safe zone” for your dog (a crate, pen, bed, etc) where they can go and be alone. Being able to create distance, and have that distance be respected, will go a long way towards helping your dog feel comfortable around your kids. For instance, if your dog seeks refuge under a chair or in your lap, don’t make your dog move. Let your dog have their space, and ask the children to leave your dog alone.
Create good associations
Every time your dog interacts with your kids, there should be a reward associated with that interaction! Kids can offer treats (lamb lung or a Himalayan chew is a great option), feed meals in a work-to-eat bowl (Northmate Green Feeder is a great option), engage your dog in play, or, if age-appropriate, even practice structured training. A good exercise for your kids is to have them toss treats into a dogs bowl from a distance. This will help your dog get used to kids being around, and associate them with good stuff in the bowl!
Discourage chase games
Dogs can get overly aroused when playing chase, especially with kids. Running away from a dog in fear can often be misconstrued by a dog as a game. Teach your kids to stand still with their arms at their sides if they feel uncomfortable. Games that involve long tug toys and balls, where hands are far away from the dog’s mouth, are better for kids and dogs than wrestling or running games.
Monitor body language
If at any point, your dog demonstrates signs of stress or over-arousal while interacting with your kids, separate them immediately. If you don’t listen and monitor your dog’s stress signals, it could result in a bite. As a refresher, signs of stress or over-arousal include:
- Lip/nose
- Licking
- Yawning “Whale eyes” – whites of eyes visible
- Moving away from handling
Remember, you (not your kids!) are your dog’s primary caregiver
Rather than delegating dog care to your kids, focus on having them engage with your dog in a productive manner. Under your supervision, have them practice structured training (teaching “sit” is a great exercise to start with). Discuss dog body language and how best to respect your dog’s space.
Supervise, supervise, supervise
While your dog is settling in, all interactions between your dog and kids should be supervised by an adult.