Hints for Parents
Puppies
Puppies require a
lot of time,
patience, potty
training and
supervision. Puppies
also require
socialization in
order to become
well-adjusted adult
dogs. A puppy may
become frightened,
or even injured, by
a well-meaning,
curious child who
wants to constantly
pick him up, hug him
or explore his body
by pulling on his
tail or ears.
Adult Dogs
Adult dogs require
less time and
attention once they
have adjusted to
your family, but you
still need to spend
time helping your
new dog with the
transition to his
new home.
Start In The Right
Way:
Small kids should
never be left alone
with a dog or puppy
without adult
supervision!
Let your child
sitting down
whenever it wants to
hold the puppy. For
larger dogs, have
your child sit in
your lap and let the
dog approach both of
you. This way you
can teach your new
puppy to treat your
child gently.
Children often want
to hug dogs around
the neck. Your dog
may view this as a
threatening gesture,
and may react with a
growl, snap, or
bite. You should
teach your child to
pet your dog from
underneath the dogs
chin, rather than
hugging him over his
head. You should
also teach your
child to avoid
staring at your dogs
eyes.
Children tend to
become sometimes
fearful when dogs
try to take a treat
from their hand.
This causes them to
jerk their hand away
at the last second.
Have your child
place the treat in
an open palm, rather
than holding it in
his fingers.
Children move very
quick and have
high-pitched voices.
Consequently, your
puppy may respond to
your child's running
by chasing him,
nipping at his
heels, jumping up at
him, or even trying
to knock him down.
At the same time,
kids have to learn
to respect a puppy
as a living creature
who is not to be
teased or
purposefully hurt
and needs time for
itself.
