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.
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.
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