Kids act a lot like puppies. They’re always on the floor and into everything. If you have children, teach your puppy not to mouth them from the start and also teach your kids proper dog handling skills so that everyone understands how to behave around the puppy. It is very important to include children in your puppy’s upbringing, regardless if there are any children living in the home.
What every child should know about training puppies:
- Children should use calm, quiet vocal intonation with the puppy.
- Use a gentle hand, lead or collar when handling the puppy.
- Do not disturb a sleeping puppy.
- Do not leave children’s toys of any danger to a puppy in the presence of a puppy.
As a general rule, do not allow a child to handle a puppy without the supervision of an adult, and ensure that all children understand and adhere to all agreed rules of the household and lifestyle with the puppy.
Prevent your children from rolling on the floor with the puppy, playing chasing games and other similar activities because the puppy will likely start to view the child as another puppy, which could lead to problem behaviors as they grow.
If you want to included children in the puppy training process (and this is highly encouraged), teach the child how to call the puppy to them and initiate gentle play with the focus on a toy instead of the child’s hands or feet. Having the puppy come to you rather than going to the puppy establishes rank in the household and builds the foundation for recall, installing that going to the owner is rewarding.
Tips for New Puppy Owners:
Provide a Safe Retreat: Be sure your puppy has a space that is off limits to kids. Even pets that adore children need private time and a place to go that they know they won’t be pestered. Make a bedroom or the puppy’s crate and bed off-limits to the children and supervise to enforce the rule if the children are too young to understand.
Teach Kids Limits: Ask toddlers to practice petting a stuffed toy or the child’s own arm or head. Young kids take time to learn that dogs aren’t stuffed animals and can be hurt and lash out from pulled tails or ears.
Practice Quiet Puppy-Talk: High Pitched screams could potentially prompt puppies to aggress toward the child. Challenge children to a game to see if they can talk in an inside voice that entices puppies to come near for pets.
Ignore the Puppy: Staring is a challenge in dog language that can stress some pets, especially kids that are eye-to-eye level. When a dog is ignored, they are more likely to be intrigued enough to investigate on their own, so challenge your toddler or older child to “ignore the pup” game and see how long they can pretend the puppy is invisible. In most cases, a confident canine will eventually approach.
Offer Treats: When pups still act reluctant to approach, find a smelly, tasty treat the pet loves but ONLY gets from the child. While sitting on the floor, the child should gently toss the treat to (not AT) the dog.
Children should be at least six or seven years old before being given responsibility for a puppy’s care, and can help with filling the puppy’s water bowl or brushing their fur. The most pleasant experiences your children enjoy with the puppy, the stronger becomes the bond between them.
For AAWL adopters who need more information or if you have additional questions, please call support team at 602-273-6852 ext. 105.
Download PDF — Introducing Puppies and Children (PDF download)