- What are the benefits for kids growing up with dogs?
- What are the best dog breeds for kids?
- Preparing your pooch: How to introduce your dog to a new baby.
- Welcoming a dog: How to stop dog aggression towards children. Teaching kids to take part in dog training/care.
KIDS AND DOGS – HEARTWARMING, HILARIOUS… AND A LITTLE BIT HAIRY
‘Never work with children or animals’ – or so the saying goes. Well, what about living with both? Kids and dogs can be the most heartwarming and hilarious bond there is, but jump in with your eyes closed and it could also lead to a little canine chaos.
For many of us, our dog was our first baby, the practice run – learning curve, anyone? Some of us started with the human kids and then decided to add to the clan with a fur baby. Once you’ve done the sleepless nights and endless nappies, how hard can it be, right?
Whichever order you’ve decided to grow your pack, preparation is vital to prevent things getting, well, a little bit hairy. From the best breeds of dogs for children to how to introduce your dog to a new baby, or simply figuring out if a four-legged friend is right for your family, we’ve got the lowdown to help you find your feet… and the right set of paws.
1. What are the benefits for kids growing up with dogs?
There are countless benefits for kids growing up with dogs, both mental, physical, and most importantly… fun. We’re so focused on what we can teach our dogs, but it cuts both ways: what can kids learn from dogs?
The benefits of growing up with a dog:
- Comfort
- Companionship
- Responsibility
- Empathy
- Confidence
- Sense of adventure
- Increased physical exercise
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Reduced screen time
From a kid’s point of view, whatever the challenges of growing up, their dog will be there for comfort, companionship and cuddles.
It’s not only our dogs that need walking, our kids do too. In this screen age, kids with dogs simply have a good reason to get more physical activity every day. Add in their mutual need for active play and you’re on to a winner on the fitness front, both mental and physical.
Sound like a good investment so far? It gets better.
What can a child learn from learning responsibility towards his/her pet dog?
Kids can learn so much from taking part in caring for a dog, from consequences, consistency and patience, to compassion and care. Helping to take responsibility for a living thing can bring children out of themselves and teach them some solid life lessons. And let’s not forget the doggy superpower of being able to melt sibling squabbles away with sheer animal magic. Winner.
Hey! That’s NOT a teddy…
In fact, from the moment a baby arrives, a dog can be beneficial to their health and development. Exposure to microbes and dander (the skin cells dogs shed) helps to boost a baby’s developing immune system. A doggy presence also encourages babies to form sounds because the dog is always alert and listening, which encourages confident interaction and speech development. Just remind them, the dog isn’t an actual teddy that likes being chewed, and vice versa. Dogs and babies should never be left alone together, in case of misunderstandings on both sides…
So, in a nutshell, is having a dog good for a child? You can see where we’re going with this.
2. What are the best dog breeds for kids?
The best dog breeds for kids will depend on your family set-up and space. There are a few breeds that are generally felt to be well suited for family life, and some are surprising. So, what is the most child-friendly dog for kids?
Some of the best breeds of dogs for children include:
- Labradors: great for bouncy, active families
- Poodles: good energy and hypoallergenic
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: rarely aggressive, love attention
- Golden Retrievers: film-star looks, faithful and loving
- Bernese Mountain Dogs: absolutely massive, gentle giants
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: (yes, really) known as the ‘nanny dog’
- Beagle: friendly, cheeky and calm
- Remember the mutts: cross-breeds can make wonderful family pets
These are just a selection of well-known ‘family-friendly’ dog breeds. Just remember to research a dog’s history and personality first. Their training and gradual exposure to family life and other furry family members is up to you (we’ll give you a hand though, so read on).
What have you got in common?
Choosing the right dog for your pack is about more than finding a suitable breed. Think about your lifestyle. If you’re one of those families who are always out exercising the kids, climbing mountains before lunch or kicking a ball about, you need an energetic dog. If your lifestyle is strictly a quick walk once a day, then a more chilled breed, or older dog, might be your perfect pooch.
Whichever breed you choose, consider the energy of your kids, and how many you’ve got. If you’ve got a house full of boisterous kids bouncing off the walls, you’ll need that magic combination of a dog with enough energy to cope, but also a calm temperament. And remember, children (especially very young ones) should always be supervised around dogs, no matter how good the breed’s reputation for being child friendly.
Size is important
Got tiny kids? Maybe a Bernese Mountain Dog or other very large breed, however gentle in nature, isn’t a good idea around humans just learning to walk. Labradors, Retrievers and Poodles are generally thought to be family friendly, although a younger Lab can be a bit on the nutty side, so there is the potential of knocking over tiny people. They tend to settle after a couple of years, so possibly a rescue Labrador with a non-traumatic background is worth thinking about.
In the medium-sized area we have Beagles, who love to play, are great with kids and have the energy to cope. Yes, Snoopy is a Beagle. Whether the 3D Beagles are as witty and well read... no guarantees on that one. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of love to give and are rarely aggressive and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are nicknamed the ‘nanny dog’ for their sweet temperament.
When it comes to the best small dogs for children, there’s plenty of choice. But small doesn’t automatically mean cuddly and friendly; they’re still descended from wolves and need to be properly socialised. The Bichon Frise is the ultimate fluffy friend and looks remarkably like a cuddly toy, so be sure to make your kid aware of the actual difference. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are also felt to be good family dogs.
Who you callin’ a mutt?
Let’s not forget, some of the most faithful family members out there are cross-breeds. Of course in recent years we’ve seen the rise of the posh pairings, like Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Sprocker Spaniels and your Cockadoodledoos (OK, made that one up). But there’s also the good old-fashioned mongrel. The mutt. The scruff. The bitsa (bitsa this, bitsa that). Judge them on their history, their breed mix, train them properly and you could end up with a little bit of four-legged family magic. If you’re a parent, think Hairy Maclary. Need we say more?
When it comes to choosing a furry family member, do your research. Look into breeds and if you’re using a breeder, make sure they’re a reputable one. Talk to your friends and family, squeeze the Internet for all it’s worth and ask a vet too. If you’re adopting a rescue or an older dog, get a full rundown.
3. Preparing your pooch
How do I introduce my dog to a new baby?
How to introduce your dog to a new baby is all about sensory preparation in terms of smells, sights and sounds – and the sooner, the better.
By the time you’ve had your second scan at 20 weeks, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your pooch for their new playmate.
self-sufficient type? It’s worth considering their personality so you can flex your baby training around any triggers.
There are going to be a lot of new sights, sounds and smells when that new creature suddenly arrives in the pack. Let’s start with the smells. If someone you know has a baby, introduce a
few items with baby smells into the home. Use some of the baby creams and bath products so they can get used to them. When baby has landed, let your dog carefully smell their feet and their clothes, even their stinky nappies – your dog might be the only one to appreciate that particular aroma.
Now for sounds. Slowly introduce recorded noises of crying and gurgling babies, little by little and at a positive time, for example playtime or dinner. Gradually increase the volume but if your dog looks distressed, take it down a notch.
The sounds of mobiles and toys should also be gradually introduced. Get the baby TV on or the lullaby playlist, when you’re having cuddle time, so your dog relates the tune to chilling out. Maybe even watch programmes about babies together. If anyone thinks you’re going ga-ga, point them in our direction...
A far as the sights are concerned, slowly introduce the baby equipment so they can become familiar with it around the place. Let them explore it all and associate it with something positive, like getting a treat.
You’re going to be busy. Stock up on your dog’s favourite foods in advance of B-Day. Their routine will help them to settle and running out of their favourites is just going to put their doggy nose right out of joint.
Remember the doggy dens you might have created for a house move? For peace of mind in the early weeks, it’s a good idea to do it again. Before baby arrives, create a safe area, either a dedicated room or area cordoned off with a stairgate, or crate, filled with your dog’s familiar comforts and gradually increase the time they spend there. That way, they won’t resent it when you need to leave them in there to tend to the baby. As you all settle in, gradually introduce them to sharing more time with you and the baby.
How long does it take for a dog to adjust to a new baby?
It could take your dog a few weeks to adjust to a new baby, so the more preparation you put in, the better.
- Introduce baby smells and sounds
- Gradually bring in baby equipment
- Set up a doggy den
- Expose them to babies and kids
- Establish a routine
- Stock up on rewards and regulars
- Lots of walks
How will my dog react to a new baby?
How your dog reacts to a new baby will depend on your preparation, but also inclusion. Being a parent means multi-tasking superpowers, so let’s exercise those to the max. When feeding or cuddling your baby, try also interacting with your dog, by stroking or gentle play. It’s all about positive pack bonding. You’ll need to do a lot of walking to soothe the baby so it’s a no-brainer to take the dog too. If you have a partner to help, then one can take the dog and one the pram at first. Or if baby’s in a sling you can go solo, if your dog doesn’t walk you too vigorously…
The golden rule is never to leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, especially one that is settling in. Kids and dogs should always be under the supervision of an adult. But there’s an added benefit to that, as you’ll get to share in some truly magical moments while you’re taking care of everyone.
4. Welcoming a dog
If you jumped in at the deep end and had your human kids before your fur baby, hats off! Don’t think you’re in for the easier ride though. You’ve got two jobs to do: train the kids and the dog.
If it’s possible to visit your new dog before they move in, take some smellies with you: your kids’ clothes or toys and perhaps a cushion that smells of your home.
Helping your new dog settle around kids is all in the timing. Take it slow. Tell the kids not to jump all over the dog when you walk through the door. Calm and chilled is the way to go. Too much excitement can overwhelm dogs, especially younger ones. Have the kids sit quietly and let the dog meet their new pack on their terms, and at their pace.
Step away from the pup!
For new dogs, and especially pups, the safe space is important again. The doggy den or crate isn’t just for keeping an eye on them. Puppies in particular need to rest and nap a lot. If the kids play with them constantly, pups can become overstimulated and bitey. Older dogs might get grumpy. Tempting as it is to hold that gorgeous new pup 24/7, don’t do it. Let them have their alone time in their safe space.
How to stop dog aggression towards children
Hopefully, with thorough research, the dog or pup you’ve brought home is well suited to family life. But when it comes to dog aggression towards kids, prevention is better than cure.
How do I make my dog less aggressive towards children?
- Consider neutering or spaying when the time is right
- Speak to a vet or dog behaviourist
- Gradually integrate your dog into the family
- Teach kids the signs for when a dog needs to be left alone
- Create a peaceful doggy den
- Schedule a routine quiet/nap time for your dog
- Teach kids that we never behave with a dog in a way we wouldn’t behave with a human (i.e. being too rough)
Not letting children overwhelm your dog is important, and not just on day one. Take time to gradually introduce your dog to your kids. Teach them to recognise the signs that a dog has had enough. When pups get nippy, this is a sign to let them rest. Time out for dogs in the doggy den or crate is essential. If you think the kids have you run ragged at the end of the day, imagine being the dog. No, you can’t get in the crate too. Smaller kids might be tempted to try it for real, however, so do make sure you impress upon them the importance of a dog’s personal quiet space.
Goes without saying, if you are worried about aggressive dog behaviour, talk to your vet immediately and you can also seek specialist help from a behaviour therapist – consultations might be included in your pet insurance, so check that fine print.
Teaching kids to take part in training/care
When it comes to teaching kids to take part in the training and care of a dog, the easiest and best way is to get the kids involved whenever you can. In particular, make sure they take part in dog recall training. It’s good for the dog to recognise that all pack members must be listened to. The more walks you can get the kids on too, the better. You can polish your parenting halo at the same time.
When it comes to recall training, there’s a possibility that kids might over-use their beloved doggy’s name, especially if they chose it. Just think about how often they say ‘Mum’ or ‘Dad’ for instance… there’s a chance the dog will just tune it out. Instead, decide on some command words, such as ‘Here’ or ‘Come’ and centre your training around them. That way, whatever divine doggy name they’ve been given will still prick up their ears. ‘Come, Princess Unicorn the Third! Good dog!’
You can make dog training fun by encouraging kids to teach tricks and games. Games like hide the treat under the cup, or jumping through hoops, are fun. When training, you might like to try using a ‘clicker’ when the dog does what you want them to do, which is great for positive reinforcement.
It’s tempting for kids to over-reward their dogs in training, so make sure you have the talk about responsible treating. There are lots of other ways to reward a dog, with praise, cuddles or just another throw of the ball.
However steep the learning curve, a blended family of both furry and human ankle biters is most definitely a mutually beneficial arrangement, even if the odd shoe or cuddly toy might not make it out alive. Best. Decision. Ever.
