Here Are 11 Ways To Introduce A Dog Into A Home With Kids

It can be nerve-wracking introducing a new dog into a home with kids and vice-versa. Here’s how to help them get along.

1. Supervise

Make sure you keep an eye on your dog and child interacting and don’t leave them alone at first.

2. Stay Calm

If you’re tense, your children will be tense, and your dog will be tense.

3. Teach Your Children

Your kids need to learn to respect your dog. Make sure they learn to treat the dog with kindness.

4. Let Your Kids Train Them

Get your children to help you train your dog.

5. Encourage Safe Play

A game of fetch is a great bonding game that is low-risk for both your children and your dog.

6. Choose The Right Dog

If you’re introducing a dog to the family, research the best breeds for kids first.

7. Condition Your Dog

Whenever your child makes a sound or noise, give your dog a treat. Your dog will slowly warm up to them. Then, you can have your kids toss the dog treats from a distance, slowly getting closer each session

8. Time Out

When your dog starts getting too rough and energetic, gently lead them into another room and wait for them to calm down before bringing them back. This will teach your puppy to be relaxed around your dog.

9. Time Out, Again

If your kids are the ones who get too excitable, then put them in time out instead.

10. Provide A Safe Space

Make sure your dog has a safe space to retreat to where your kids know not to follow.

11. Teach Body Language

Teach your children to understand the body language of dogs and what they mean.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay