What Should I Expect When I Have Children and Dogs?

Children lack knowledge and expertise to interact safely with dogs, adults must ensure children and dogs interact well with each other. This is a two-step process:

• Teaching your child
• Training the dog

Children

• Never leave young children with any dog unattended
• Warn children about approaching unknown dogs
• Teach children to approach dogs slowly
• Teach children not to disturb dogs that are sleeping, eating, or playing with toys.
• Caution children from tormenting or teasing dogs.
• Don't force children to make friends with any dog they are afraid of.

The Dog

• Ensure basic obedience
• Ensure the dog is well socialized
• Always use a leash
• If the dog is not well trained or socialized, keep him confined when new visitors are at your home.
• Vaccinate, spay/neuter- keeping your dog healthy can keep your dog happier.