New puppy and the excitement of it makes everyone in the household giddy. You’re looking forward to all the snuggles, playing and teaching tricks. You’re looking forward to this little puppy being a part of your family. It’s such an exciting time.
Puppies, remember, have no social behavior skills taught to them. They investigate with their mouths and noses. They love to romp and play. Playing is a key factor in them learning how to navigate their world. Playing with children is no exception BUT the difference is, what you allow them to do when they are 11 pounds, they will think it’s ok to do do when they are 80+lbs. Example: Jumping up at you to get your attention is cute at 11 pounds but dangerous at 80 pounds. If it’s not ok at 80 pounds, don’t let them do it at 11 pounds.
The difference is also, kids don’t have the expertise to redirect inappropriate puppy behavior and oftentimes end up getting hurt (puppy bites hurt!) or hurting the puppy by accident. So to prevent this we….
KEEP YOUR KID’S BUTT ON THE FLOOR and on a leash at all times.
Let’s walk through all the tips about having the best experience incorporating your new puppy in with your children.
- Keep your puppy on a leash at all times
I personally believe that you will have the best behaved dog in the quickest amount of time if you keep your puppy tethered to your hip at all times unless in the playpen or crate or outside romping around. This helps quicken the house training, prevents unwanted behaviors such chewing on shoes and cords and surfing counter tops and trashcans. When it comes to kids, it also helps them stay safe. Kids don’t know how to redirect puppy bites and jumps, so a small tug on the leash from an adult is just what that puppy needs to redirect their behavior. Puppies are great fans of chewing on hair and ears and little fingers and toes and it just so happens that their new best friend, your kiddo, has all of their favorites. Never, ever leave your kiddo alone with your puppy…. someone will end up crying or hurt. - Walk – don’t run
When outside, kids need to keep their play with the puppy at a walk. This is typically the time when people let their pups off leash, but when kids are involved, I still recommend a leash held by an adult, even it’s a long one. Keeping their interactions at a walk will help make sure that accidents don’t happen and a child steps on their pup. This is how the most puppy broken bones happen. Even as a breeder, when I’m taking the puppies outside, the quickness of a puppy to slip in under my raised foot is astonishing. I have to have very quick reaction skills to divert my foot. Children do not yet have that quick redirection skill of their feet. For me, if my children are playing with the puppies we raise and they get excited and start running, they get one warning and the second time they are done playing for that time. It’s just not worth the risk. That also assumes the fact that kids are never ever left alone with the puppy. If your kids and your puppy need to frolic to release energy, then it needs to be done in two different locations or at different times. - Teach your kids how to redirect behavior
Depending on the age of your child, you may find that they are able to incorporate some redirection skills for unwanted puppy behavior. Flat hands on the side of the face so puppies can’t bite, raising a knee if puppies are jumping, ignoring puppies until they sit to be pet are all great redirection skills for your kids to learn. When puppies have excessive inappropriate behavior, that may mean they are getting to the “super-duper tired point.” You know how kids can have meltdowns and temper tantrums when they are excessively tired? Puppies do that too, but it’s with behaviors. Bring your pup in and place them in the crate and allow them to have a good long nap. Well rested puppies are well behaved puppies. - Keep your kid’s butt on the floor
I bet you’re not surprised by this last one. It’s so important. Puppies dropped from chairs and sofas happens so frequently. Puppies stepped on happen all the time. This is the rule until they are too big to carry… which happens faster than you think! By keeping your kid’s butt on the floor, you are teaching your puppy that they get all their loving by being calm and still. It keeps your kids and your puppy safe all while allowing them to enjoy each other.
