Children and Dogs

Adults tend to pet dogs the same way all the time, speaking in the same moderate tones. Only when we want to play with the dog do we speak more excitedly.

Dogs and toddlers can be great friends but they need constant supervision. Even the kindest dog might react when a child tries to measure the depth of the canine ear with the sharp end of a pencil. It is the parents' job to be S.A.F.E.:

SUPERVISE

There are many reasons your dog might leave your home: illness, accident, economic hardship or the realization that, despite your best efforts, this dog isn't going to work in your home.

Teens are emotion in motion much of the time - bounding in and out of rooms, speaking and laughing loudly, wrestling boisterously, often in the middle of the family room where the dog is trying to take a nap. Some dogs wag and join right in, others can find the rowdy energy overwhelming. If your dog has that reaction, here are some ways to help him cope:

There are good games and bad games for dogs and children to play.

We adults often play with a dog by kneeling down, making excited noises like "Hey, pup! What do I have?" while dragging a toy in front of him. The dog pounces on the toy. "Whee!" and the game begins. Enter a toddler. She kneels on the floor making exciting noises as she moves the toy back and forth in front of her.

Even toddlers can, and should, start to learn how to behave around dogs. This is important both for maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the home and for preventing problems. A child who knows how to approach and behave around dogs is much less likely to get bitten.

Good activities for toddlers and dogs are safe for both and build a fun relationship that teaches the dog to respect the child, while teaching the toddler how to be gentle to the dog.