Maintaining A Happy Home: Teaching Positive Interaction Between Your Child & Your Pet

In order to maintain a happy household, it is important that your child and your pet coexist. Whether you are bringing home a new puppy or your child is growing older, there will be interaction between the two. Your pet should know how to behave around your child, and your child should know how to handle your pet. Until your child is old enough to properly care for your dog, the two should never be unsupervised.

Working on your puppy’s behavior

Puppies are fairly easy to train with children, but it does require time. The introduction between the two can have an impact on the puppy’s actions. When you introduce the two, do not let your puppy start off with an undesirable behavior. For instance, do not allow the puppy to lick or nip at the child. This can cause the child to dislike or even fear the new pet.

You should never leave your child and puppy unsupervised for a number of reasons. If your child has food, then your pup may try to take the food from the child. In the beginning, do not let your dog play games with your child, because your puppy may play too rough. You must understand that, until trained, the puppy is fairly innocent. He won’t take food from your child out of aggression; it’s just the fact that he smells something yummy.

Start training your pup at an early age. Obedience training can have a calming effect on a dog. Instead of the puppy running wild all the time, he will listen and obey the commands of family members. If your child is old enough, then try to involve him or her in training. But, a young child should never try to command your pup. Dogs look to and establish leaders; they may view a young child as subordinate. As your puppy grows older, he will begin to develop certain behaviors. If these behaviors are non agreeable with the behaviors of your child, then additional training may be needed.

Working on your adult dog’s behavior

Most adult dogs have already established certain behaviors. You need to identify these behaviors early on and find ways to prevent dangerous situations. For instance, if you know that your pet likes to chase bouncy balls, then it’s not a good idea to let your pet in on your child’s game of basketball. Your pet will see it as playtime or a chance for competition. Competition can lead to jealousy and even aggression in adult dogs.

To combat or prevent jealousy, you should not neglect your adult dog. If he receives the same amount of attention from you as he did before the child was a factor, then he will not see the child as a threat. Set aside a certain amount of time each day for your and your pet, and give him your undivided attention. Play with him one-and-one, work on new training, and reward him for his good behavior.

Working on your child’s behavior

Children are like the puppies: innocent. They do not understand that pulling a dog’s hair can put the dog in pain, causing him to bite. Because of this, children should also be trained in proper handling techniques from the beginning. Your child should never pull hair, hit the dog, or corner the dog. Your child should not have access to your dog’s crate (or where he sleeps or eats) when you are not present. A caged dog will see a taunting child as a threat; and, in turn, he may exhibit aggressive behaviors. Take time teaching your child what to do and not to do around your pet, and reward your child for good behavior.

Involving your pet and child in activities together

Getting your child and dog to play together can be a great opportunity to establish a bond. However, playing together should not involve competitive, rough, or unsupervised activities. Instead, take your kids (human and canine) to a dog park. Let your child throw a ball or Frisbee, allowing the dog to retrieve it. If that is not possible, then go on family walks. Keep your pet on a leash so that you have control. Let the child and the dog walk side-by-side, and encourage your child to talk to your pet. Teach your child how to reward your dog for his good behavior. It’s not a good idea to let your child give the dog treats, but you can teach your child positive reinforcement techniques such as gentle head-patting and “good dog.”

The Clever Parents column, Pet Perspective, is written by Collin Walker who is a trainer, practitioner, educator and specialist of pet related issues. Collin devotes his time to exploring the matters that shape the connection between pet owners and their pets. He has co-authored, written and taught these matters to make that truly inspirational bond even stronger. He hopes that through his articles he can pass forth knowledge that will make even the everyday parent - become an expert. Educate, Exercise, and Experience. Visit Collin’s website at www.pet-super-store.com