Every year, many dogs are both handed into the centre, and also returned for not being able to live with the children in the household.  

The reasons for this happening vary, but usually the end result is that the dog snaps at the children, or worse actually bites them.

This information is designed to help you introduce your children to your new dog and to teach them how to behave around him.  

Whether you have taken on an adult dog or a puppy, correct behaviour must be introduced from the outset.  

Children are at eye level to most dogs and have high pitched voices, especially when they are excited.  

This can be very threatening  to a dog.  

Children also run around a lot making excited noises.  

Many dogs, especially herding types such as collies, can quickly get overexcited and end up nipping.  

Children and dogs can live happily together but it is important that you take on the responsibility of teaching them both how to behave correctly.

AGREEING ON GROUND RULES
Before you take your new dog home, the whole family needs to sit down and agree on how you are going to care for your new dog.

He will need an area where his new bed will be placed, and the children must be aware that when he is in his bed they leave him alone.

Everyone needs to agree on what commands will be used.  

The dog will be confused if one person is saying ‘Rover come’, and another is saying ’Here boy’.  

Training classes will help the whole family learn this, and if the children are old enough to attend, take them along.

Teach your children how to stroke him gently.  

Explain to them that patting him on the head is more frightening to him than stroking his shoulder.  

Ask them not to throw their arms around him and hug him, as he does not know them and could feel threatened.  

Ask them not to chase him around but to let him approach them.

If the children are too young to understand your rules, it is solely your responsibility to prevent them from carrying out any unwanted behaviour.  

You will have to be prepared to supervise meetings with the dog at all times.

When you cannot supervise them, make sure that they are kept separately.

Teach the children not to go near him if he is eating. If they are too young to understand, feed him in a separate room.

He will not know which are his toys and which are the children's, so it is up to you to remove anything you do not want him to touch.

TAKING YOUR NEW DOG HOME
Your children are bound to be excited at the arrival of the new pet, but everything will be new and frightening to him and he must not be crowded.

 Take him out to the garden first to explore.

 He will feel less threatened if your children are sitting down quietly and if he is allowed to meet them in his own time.  

When he goes to say hello to them, let them give a treat gently.  

Try to make his first day as peaceful as possible.

Attending training classes is essential to enable you to properly train your new dog, especially if you haven’t had dogs before.  

If you have taken on a puppy, it is equally as important, as he has an awful lot to learn, and the way that he develops is down to you.  

Puppy classes will cover most problems you are likely to encounter, and can offer useful backup advice.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

• SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN AND DOG AT ALL TIMES.

• TEACH HIM THE LEAVE COMMAND. THIS CAN PREVENT ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS LATER ON.

• SHOW YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO PLAY WITH HIS TOYS SENSIBLY.

• DON’T LET HIM GET TOO WOUND UP, AND DON’T LET HIM BE TEASED.

• LET HIM HAVE A QUIET AREA TO SLEEP WHERE HE DOES NOT GET DISTURBED.

IN CASES OF CRUELTY, NEGLECT OR IN AN EMERGENCY TEL: 0300 1234 999 (24 HOUR)

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