How to Train Your Dog to Be Around Children: Don't Ignore Simple Rules
Dogs instinctively perceive children as part of their pack and are ready to protect them. But babies often behave chaotically and unpredictably, which can alarm or frighten the pet.
To tame a dog, you need to introduce it to the child gradually and in a calm environment. First, let the puppy get used to the baby's smell - let him sniff clothes or a toy.
Then introduce the child at a distance so that the dog can see him but not approach him. Gradually decrease the distance.
When the puppy comes to sniff the baby, reward it with a treat. Do not allow the child to immediately grab or squeeze the dog - this can scare it. Let the baby sit quietly, and the dog decides when to approach. Over time, the dog will get used to it and stop paying attention to noisy children.
The main thing is not to leave the kids and the dog unattended. Always control their interaction in order to correct the behavior of the child or pet in time. Then they will become best friends!
Once the dog has stopped showing aggression or fear when seeing a child, you can move on to a closer acquaintance.
The child should let the puppy sniff his palm and then gently pet him. Pet the dog in the presence of the child so that he associates him with positive emotions.
Encourage your child to give your pet commands, such as "Sit," "Lie down," and give treats for doing so. This way, your dog will learn to obey you too.
Explain to your child the rules of safe communication: do not pull the dog by the ears or tail, do not squeeze it, do not take away toys or food. Teach your pet to calmly react to hugs, kisses, and fussing nearby.
Let the baby play with the puppy under adult supervision, throw a ball, pull a rattle during the game. This way the dog will get used to sudden movements.
Reward positive behavior - if your pet is patient when a child squeezes it or accidentally steps on its paw. Reinforce the desired response with treats and praise.
So, with love and patience, you can train your dog and child to become best friends!
Once the dog and the child have become friends, you can expand the areas of their interaction.
Organize joint walks, let the baby hold the leash under adult supervision. This way, he will feel responsible and caring for the pet.
Encourage your child to feed and water the dog and fill the bowls on their own. But explain that this should be done according to a schedule and not to overfeed the pet.
Give your baby and puppy the same toys so they can pull a rattle or wear rubber rings in their teeth together. Such games will strengthen their friendship.
Give your child interesting tasks to take care of the pet - brushing the fur, wiping the paws after a walk, putting toys in the basket. Praise your child for helping.
If a child is in a bad mood, let him pet the dog, and his emotional state will improve. In turn, a gentle dog will always support and comfort the baby.
The main thing is not to leave them unattended for a long time. Monitor the taming process and react immediately to the slightest signs of aggression. Over time, they will become inseparable partners in games and adventures!
Earlier we wrote about whether it is possible to give potatoes to rabbits.
