It is important that when a new dog or puppy is being introduced, that this is done very carefully and ensuring that children are directly supervised at all times. Introducing a new canine member to the family is a special and exciting time but can be a little overwhelming for all concerned. However, this can be managed with careful planning, to help everyone feel comfortable, enjoy the experience and stay safe. Children should always be directly supervised by a responsible adult when they’re with any dog or puppy. The information below is general and should be tailored to suit the individual dog and specific circumstances.
Firstly, talk with your children about how to understand dog body language and communication and how to interact appropriately and safely with dogs before you bring your new dog home. Teaching children to safely interact with a dog through being gentle, quiet, and respectful will help create a bond of mutual trust. Children are usually naturally inquisitive and keen to touch and hold a new dog/puppy. It is important that they understand that the best way to become friends is to let the dog or pup come to them. Children need to old enough to understand and, when you are preparing to have your new dog come home, it may be helpful to use a stuffed toy dog for practice sessions with your children. This may help with reducing some of the excitement that is likely when the dog/pup first approaches. Using food to encourage approaches can be risky and is not recommended. An important reason is that the dog/pup is likely to be more interested in the food rather than socialising.
When it is time for your children to meet your dog, it can help to do this with one child at a time to make it less overwhelming for the dog and easier for you to manage. The introduction of your new dog or puppy to any child should be gradual and controlled – start with brief carefully supervised sessions in a calm and quiet environment. Keep these sessions positive, the interaction should be led by the dog or puppy on their terms by letting them calmly approach the child, if and when the dog wants to. This will generally occur relatively easily due to the dog’s natural curiosity, if children remain calm and quiet.
It is important to monitor the dog’s body language for any signs of discomfort (e.g., avoiding eye contact, yawning, lip licking, or holding their tail low). The supervising adult should safely end the session if there are any signs that the dog is uncomfortable.
During the introduction, make sure the child is sitting quietly and calmly; they can speak to the dog softly and slowly, using their name and praising them. If the dog approaches the child on their own, and both dog and child are comfortable and calm, you can teach the child to gently stroke the dog on the shoulder – not on the top of their head or tail. The supervising adult can reward the dog for calm behaviour and then take the focus off the dog by giving the child another calm activity (e.g., looking at a book). This way the dog can get to know the child at a pace they are comfortable with. If children are over excited, the interaction should be ended. Always ensure the dog can move away from the child if they want to and are not followed. Never force any interactions. Make sure that the dog has a safe area that they can go to retreat and have a break if they are getting overwhelmed (by the children or anything else).
Teach children that dogs should be left alone when they are eating, sleeping, in their safe retreat area, playing on their own with a toy or something else they really like, or if they are overly excited, tired, unwell, or injured.
It is important to make sure your children do not hug, kiss, grab, pull on, or chase dogs or try to take things away from them as this can make the dog feel uncomfortable, frightened, or threatened.
Direct supervision of children and dog interactions by a responsible adult is always necessary and, where not possible, dogs and children should be physically separated by a secure barrier. Where a dog is showing concerning behaviours, owners should promptly seek support from a veterinarian with expertise in dog behaviour or a suitably qualified dog behaviourist.
Taking the time and making the effort to get the introductions right and teach your children how to safely and appropriately interact with dogs will help set your children and dog up to have a great relationship.
