How to Build a Relationship Between Your Dog and Your Kid

It’s often said that a dog is man’s best friend, and there are numerous dog lovers that would agree with that. Many dog owners develop a lifelong bond with their pet and it’s hard for them to imagine their lives without their fluffy pooches. If you’re thinking about introducing a new tail-wagging, cuddle-loving, four-legged furry companion into your home, you certainly want them to get along with your family, and especially with your children. There are certain rules you need to follow when building a relationship between the pet and the child – read on to learn what they are.
pet dog

Prepare your dog for the introduction

Your dog needs to be trained to welcome the attention that comes with introducing it to your child. As a dog owner, you are responsible for how your dog behaves, so prepare it for the world by introducing it to different situations and rewarding it with treats when it responds properly. Petting it while feeding it snacks is a good way to gain its trust and make it feel relaxed around people. Also, let it approach the child when introducing them – that way, it’ll be more comfortable since it’ll be making progress at its own pace.

Teach your dog how to behave properly by enrolling it in a dog training program

Enrolling your pet in a dog training program is a great way to ensure proper behavior towards the children. Families from Australia understand the benefits of having their dog trained by professionals, so many of them opt for professional dog training in Sydney – that way, they can rely on an expert to teach their dog obedience using a reward-based system. Dogs like to know what’s expected of them, so having your dog trained by the specialist in canine behavior will help both you and your dog in the long run.

pet dog

Teach your kid how to interact with the dog

It’s not just the dog that needs to be taught how to behave properly – children also need to learn the right way to approach the dog. Poking the dog or patting it repetitively on its head can be quite frustrating for the dog and make it feel threatened, so it’s more likely to start behaving defensively. To avoid dangerous situations, teach your children how to express their love for the dog – talking to it, blowing it kisses, and touching it under the chin are a few examples of proper ways to show your dog affection without exaggerating.

Teach your kid rules and responsibilities that come with owning a dog

Your kids might enjoy playing and running with the dog, but there’s much more to owning a pet than that. It’s a good idea to involve them in bathing, walking, and feeding processes to teach your kids how to take care of their pet. Moreover, make sure to set some ground rules: tell them they shouldn’t touch the dog while it’s sleeping. Also, children should never pet a dog that’s chewing a bone or playing with its toy – it will interpret that action as a threat and will react accordingly.

kids with dog

Supervise and manage the interactions between the dog and the kid

Kids need to be under parental supervision when playing with the dog, especially if they’re just starting to familiarize with each other. Babies and toddlers require special attention when interacting with the pet since small children have a tendency to touch and grab items that others are holding. Animals can be unpredictable sometimes and may interpret our intentions differently than we expect them to. That’s why guiding and managing the interaction between the dog and the kid is an essential part of building a positive relationship between them. Building a quality relationship between your child and the pet is a long, but worthy process. By using our tips, taking necessary steps, and teaching both your child and your dog proper behavior, you’ll be creating a harmonious environment you and your family can enjoy. r