Kids and dogs can be the best of friends. A household containing both will tend to be bursting with life and excitement. The dog will have a constant companion, and the kid will be provided with constant lessons in responsibility and safety around animals.
Getting the best from this relationship, however, requires that parents and other adults take a few precautions to manage the risk.
Supervised interactions
There’s some good evidence to suggest that so-called ‘helicopter parenting’ might inhibit a child’s ability to grow and develop through free play. But at the same time, it’s worth being sensible in the case of very young children, particularly if they’re not familiar with the dog. Dogs might not know where the boundaries are, and misunderstandings can lead to bites, scratches and other injuries.
Adults can position themselves nearby, ready to intervene if the play becomes too rough, or if the animal shows signs of distress. Of course, accidents can occur, even if the supervision is very stringent, so having the right pet insurance can provide peace of mind.
Teach respectful behaviour
If you don’t teach your children to interact with the dog safely and calmly, then the likelihood of a problem will be much higher. Make sure that they understand the basics. Be gentle, don’t pull on ears and tails, and learn to recognise the signals of a dog that wants to be left alone. Generally, when a dog is eating, sleeping, or retreating, it’s a good idea to allow it to live in peace.
Socialise your dog
Of course, it’s not just children who need education in proper behaviour. The dog should also be well-socialised. This means exposing it to a variety of situations and exciting events, including children and other animals. If you’re struggling to train your dog, then you might take it to a specialised trainer, or a class, to help promote obedience. While certain dogs can pose more of a challenge than others, every dog can benefit from the right training!
Create safe spaces
Children and dogs might occasionally need a break from one another’s company. For a child, this might be a designated play area; for a dog, it might be a crate. Make sure that both parties understand that they’re forbidden to enter the other one’s safe space. That way, if things get a little bit too intense, there will be a space to retreat to.