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The Puppy Guide >> Puppy Training >> Puppies and Children
Puppies and Children
Children are more at risk of being bitten by dogs. This is because their behaviour often excites them, their voices are high in pitch, and they are smaller in height, making it easier for dogs to reach them. Children may also tease the dog or pull its tail and may not know when to stop.
It is very important, therefore, to take steps to minimise the risk to your child or children. Here are some guidelines for puppies and children:
- Choose a breed of dog that is appropriate to your family and that will get on well with children, such as a Labrador.
- Never leave a dog or puppy alone with a small child or baby.
- Train your puppy out of jumping up and mouthing by saying a firm 'No' when he attempts them and turning your back on him.
- Make sure children know how to treat the puppy. For example they should not to tease a puppy and not pull its tail or disturb it while it is eating or sleeping.
- Teach your children how to recognise the warning signs a puppy or dog will give before they bite. For example tense body, snarling, teeth showing, tail very still and so on.
- Reward and praise your puppy for calm behaviour around children.
If you are expecting a baby you should take steps to prepare your puppy for the new arrival. Just as you would explain to older siblings what having a baby brother or sister will mean for the family and how they should treat him/her, it is important to prepare your puppy too.
If possible, try to introduce your puppy to other babies and children from a young age so that he will not be scared of them. Reward your puppy for being calm.
Before the baby arrives buy a baby doll and hold it and carry it in front of your puppy as if it were real. If your puppy is calm and shows good behaviour, reward him and praise him. This teaches him that good things happen in the presence of a baby.
Try to obtain a recording of a baby crying, or find sound effects of babies making different noises on the Internet. Play them to your puppy and reward and praise him for calm behaviour.
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