How do you introduce your dog to a child?

[Ria & Hannah]

I was wondering if anyone had any tips. My 8 month old doggy hasn't really interacted much with children since I have had her. My friend is visiting on Friday with her 2 year old little girl. Hannah has a lovely temperament, but this is new and I want to go about it properly.

Thank you

[GSDOWNER]

Originally Posted by Ria & Hannah

I was wondering if anyone had any tips. My 8 month old doggy hasn't really interacted much with children since I have had her. My friend is visiting on Friday with her 2 year old little girl. Hannah has a lovely temperament, but this is new and I want to go about it properly.

Thank you

Introducing to children

Help prevent your dog feeling overwhelmed by insisting the dog approach the children rather than the other way round. This prevents feelings of being under threat and your dog is less likely to snap in self-defence. Children can encourage the dog to come to them by sitting down and offering a titbit or a game with a toy. Ask them not to stare as this can be threatening. If the dog goes to them they can stroke and fuss underneath the animal’s chin to begin with rather than patting on the head. Remember a dog at face level with young children may seem quite frightening, so be prepared to move the dog away if the child becomes overwhelmed or if the dog is about to jump up.

Dogs do not always appreciate being hugged or cuddled unless familiar with it from an early age. It is a great temptation for children to do this, especially if they have been used to doing it to a previous dog. You will need to slowly find out what your new dog will accept, supervising constantly to ensure no unacceptable behaviour occurs on either side. After the initial introduction, ask the children to give the dog a bit of space and time to find its feet. A new game for the children, introduced at the same time as the new dog, can distract their attention for a while and enable the first few days to go more smoothly. If your children have not owned a dog before, they may need to be taught to respect the animal and not treat their companion as a toy. High-pitched squeals can upset a dog until used to them, so try to keep play as calm as possible.

Some dogs, such as collies, have a strong herding instinct and may nip at children’s ankles, causing them to squeal and run away. This excites the dog, encouraging more of the same, so this type of behaviour must be stopped at once or it can become a habit. Children have to learn not to tease or bully the dog, and the dog has to learn not to jump up at the children, be too boisterous or nip them in play. It is important to supervise all their activities until both parties have learned the rules. It is not advisable to leave children under the age of ten alone with any dog.

Be especially careful with older dogs and children. A dog with impaired vision or hearing may be startled by sudden approaches and may bite in defence. Explain the difficulties the dog is having to the children so they learn to approach more gently.

Introducing your dog to the family

[Ria & Hannah]

Thankyou GSDOWNER! Very helpful. xxx

[GSDOWNER]

Hope the meeting goes well, good luck xx

[Ria & Hannah]

Meeting went fine. Every now and then Hannah forgot she was bigger than the little un and knocked her over a couple of times. But the little un didn't mind and you could tell Hannah only ever did it accidentally. She eventually got bored and just laid down. Was good as gold. She had her 3rd training class today and is getting much better. Few bits need sorting but overall she is doing well. x x x

[GSDOWNER]

Originally Posted by Ria & Hannah

Meeting went fine. Every now and then Hannah forgot she was bigger than the little un and knocked her over a couple of times. But the little un didn't mind and you could tell Hannah only ever did it accidentally. She eventually got bored and just laid down. Was good as gold. She had her 3rd training class today and is getting much better. Few bits need sorting but overall she is doing well. x x x

so glad it went well, lol George still knocks me over