Research into the human-animal bond indicates that living with a pet may have some important benefits for children. Pets may enhance their self-esteem and help them to learn empathy. However, having a pet can also result in some negative consequences for both the child and the animal. Each has the potential to injure the other, and both can "get into trouble" for either not taking care of or not behaving correctly with each other. Good relationships between kids and pets don’t just passively happen. As a parent, you will need to take an active role in forming the relationship between your children and your dog in order to make their interactions pleasant as well as safe for both the children and the animal.

Selecting a Dog

Age – many people have a "Warm Fuzzy" image of a puppy and a child growing up together. If you are thinking of getting a young puppy ( less than 6 months) and you have young children, there are a few things to be considered. Adding a puppy to the family will feel like adding a new baby. Only this new baby can’t wear diapers and it has needle-sharp baby teeth. Puppies require a lot of time, patience and training. They require almost constant supervision in order to direct normal puppy behaviors such as housebreaking and chewing. Puppies also require socialization for normal behavior development. This means they need to be taken places, exposed to new things and meet new people. If you already have young children who naturally require lots of care and time – will there be time to care for a puppy?

Puppies, because they are babies, are somewhat fragile creatures. They may become frightened, or even injured, by well-meaning, curious young children who want to constantly pick them up, hug them, or explore their bodies by pulling on tails or ears. All interactions between children and a young puppy should by closely supervised to minimize the chances of either being injured.

Puppies, although they can be very active and playful, also need quiet times to rest and sleep. They may also need to be fed 3 to 4 times a day, depending on their age. Parents will need to be sure a puppy’s eating and nap times are provided for, just as the children’s are.

Dogs who grow up with children from puppyhood may be more tolerant of children, especially if they had good experiences with kids. However older puppies (6 months to 1 year) and adult dogs can still do just fine with children with some help from you. Any dog new to a household is going to require some training, but not as much as a young puppy. Although puppies are wonderful, and it is exciting and regarding to help them grow into wonderful companions, they will require significantly more time to train and supervise than an older dog.

Breed – many families ask for a dog who is "Good with Kids". Although some general statements can be made about breeds, the characteristics of an individual dog are just as important. Small breeds such as toy or miniature poodles, chihuahuas or cocker spaniels may not be good choices for young children as they are more easily injured and may be more easily frightened by lots of activity and handling. When frightened, dogs can snap or bite in order to protect themselves. Larger dogs may be better able to tolerate the activity, noise and rough play that is an inevitable part of having children. Many or the sporting breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers make good family pets. Breeds, which have been selected for protective behavior such as chows and Rottweilers, may not be as good for families as they may perceive the children and their friends as intruders.

Expectations

It is unrealistic to expect a child, regardless of age, to be the primary caretaker and have sole responsibility for caring for a dog. Not only do dogs need basic things life food, water and shelter, they also need to be played with, exercised and trained on a consistent basis. Teaching a dog the rules of the house and helping it become a good companion animal is too overwhelming a task for a young child. While responsible teenagers may be up to the job, they may not be as interested in the family pet as their own social need to be with their friends. Parents who are obtaining a dog "for the kinds" or "to be our child’s dog", must be willing and prepared to be the dog’s primary caretaker. Caring for a dog can be something that parents and children do TOGETHER.

Kids and dogs are not automatically going to start off with a wonderful relationship. These are two different species, and neither really understands the behavior and the needs of the other. Parents must be willing to teach both the acceptable limits of behavior with each other.

Common Problems

The normal behaviors of children often present problems for dogs and vice versa. Children move with quick, jerky movements, have high-pitched voices, and they often run rather than walk. All of these behaviors somewhat resemble the behavior of animals that wild canines prey upon. Almost all play behaviors in the dog are based on predatory behavior. Consequently dogs often react to these behaviors by chasing the children, nipping at their heels, jumping up at them, even trying to knock them down. While all the behaviors described are normal play behaviors for both kids and dogs, they can result in problems. Both your children and your dog will need lots of help and supervision from you so they can all learn how to behave around one another. An approach that is not helpful is to do nothing but punish the dog for his behavior. If he learns that being around children always results in "bad things" happening to him, he may become defensive in their presence. At first, children may need to play quietly around the dog until he becomes more comfortable and cam and the children have gained more control over the dog. The dog must also learn that certain behaviors on his part are unacceptable, but he must also be taught what behaviors are the right ones. An obedience class is always helpful.

Children often want to hug the dog around the neck. The dog may view this as a threatening gesture rather than an affectionate one. In reaction, a dog may growl, snap or bite. To reduce such risks, a child should pet the dog from underneath his chin rather than hugging him or reaching over his head, should not stare at or look him directly in the eye, and should turn the side of their body toward the dog rather than facing him.

Dogs can be possessive about their food, toys and space. Although it is normal for a dog to growl or snap to protect these items, it is NEVER acceptable. At the same time, children need to learn to respect their dog as a living creature who is not to be teased or purposefully hurt, and who needs time to themselves. The pet is not a plaything, always available to the child. If a dog is growling or snapping at children for any reason, the situation needs IMMEDIATE attention. Just punishing the dog is likely to make matters worse. The child should also be made aware of the inappropriate action the ignited the problem.

There are many socializing training exercises that can be done to help avoid these problems. These are usually taught in a good obedience class or can be learned from your veterinarian.

Helpful tips for encounters between children and pets:

1. Holding – in the beginning, it is probably safest for both a child and a puppy to always be sitting down whenever he/she wants to hold the puppy. Puppies are squirmy and wiggly and may easily fall out of a young child’s arms and be injured. If held insecurely, a puppy may become frightened and snap or scratch in response. After the child is sitting, the parent can place the puppy in their arms. It would be good to have a treat of chewie handy as a reward for the puppy. When puppies are teething, they tend to chew on everything, including hands and arms. An added benefit is that the puppy will come to associate pleasant consequences (getting a treat) with being held by the child.
2. For larger dogs, it works well to have the child sit in the parent’s lap and the dog to approach them. In this way, the parent can control the child and not allow him/her to get "carried away" with pats that are too rough. The parent is also there to teach the dog to treat the child gently as well.
3. Giving treats – kids tend to become somewhat fearful and anxious when a dog tries to take a treat from their hand. This causes them to jerk their hand away at the last second. The dog may then jump up or lunge to get the treat which may result in the child being knocked down. Have the child place the treat in their open palm rather than holding it in their fingers. Parent may place a hand underneath their child’s hand to help guide the child.