Dogs and Toddlers: Getting Along
Let’s admit it. Toddlers can have outrageous behavior at times. However, it is normal during their early years. When a dog gets introduced into a toddler’s home environment, safety should always become the focus. This means safety for everyone, such as your child and your pet. Obviously preventing your child from getting bitten by your dog is critical. Toddlers often display unpredictable behavior such as pulling tails, so just remember to always keep an eye on how your child and your dog are interacting with one another.
Utilize Baby Gates
Baby gates are a great way to give your child and your dog their own separate areas that they can enjoy for themselves. They offer a perfect solution because your toddler can still see your dog but just can’t interact with it until you allow it. Baby gates are a great way to help keep your toddler and your dog safe. Though it should go without saying, remember to never leave a small child by themselves with a dog.
Buy Your Dog a Crate
Your canine deserves somewhere inside of your house where it can go to be alone, particularly where your toddler cannot access him. A crate works perfectly for this. Your dog’s crate should be large enough for him or her to stand up and turn around in. It should have fresh water and a clean blanket inside. Keep the crate in a quiet room of the house, or in a place inaccessible to your toddler.
Teach Proper Petting
Your toddler needs to be taught the right and safe way to pet a dog. With your child nearby, sit close to your dog. Hold your hand beneath your dog’s nose. After the dog sniffs it, hold your toddler’s hand and allow the dog to sniff it. Gently pet the dog. Next, take your toddler’s hand and use it to pet the dog slowly. Say the word ‘gentle’ as you pet the dog together. Should your toddler pet too roughly, say ‘no’ and let them know that they could scare the pup.
Respecting Your Dog’s Things
It is also important to train your child to stay away from your dog’s personal items, including their food bowl. While some dogs don’t really mind if you go near their food or toys, other dogs may show aggression because of it.
Don’t allow your child to play near your dog’s food bowl. If your child picks up and wants to play with one of the dog’s toys, let them know that it belongs to the dog and isn’t theirs to play with. Quickly replace it with one of your child’s toys to curb any possible upset.
Final Thought
Keep in mind that positive reinforcement can do wonders for the situation. This applies whether we are talking about how your child learns how to handle your dog, or how your dog behaves around your little one. Let each of them know the times that they are practicing good behavior. Giving your toddler praise when they are following your instructions, and giving your dog treats when they are putting up with your child pulling their fur are both appropriately rewarding.