The holiday season means visiting family and friends, often with kids. If your dog is not used to having kids around (or is maybe only used to your dog-savvy children), the situation can quickly become out of control if you are not prepared.
Here are some tips and tricks to getting through the holidays while keeping the kids and dogs happy.
The First Encounter
The most important part of the whole visit is what happens in those first few minutes, for both the kids and the dogs. A nice, calm greeting will set the stage for a smooth gathering; however if anything negative happens, your dog may never accept these (or any) children.
If your dog is not kid-friendly….
Give them a “kid free zone.” Put their water, food, bedding, chew toys, etc., in a room your dog likes to hang out in (you don’t want it to feel like punishment!) and that the kids cannot go into.
Put a note on the door and be sure to explain to the kids as soon as they arrive that they are to leave the dog alone. This can be hard for children, so explain to them in terms they will understand (to the dog, they are the monster under the bed or warn them your dog may bite), and give them something to do, like a game to play, so they are not tempted to see the dog.
For the excited dog…
If your dog likes kids but is too rowdy – knocking them over, play bites, scares the kids, etc., then you still need to prepare. Have your dog in a different room or in a crate when the kids first get there. There is always a feeling of excitement in those first few minutes, so wait until the kids are settled on the couch before bringing the dog in.
Tips:
- Give the kids treats to feed the dog when he is doing the right thing (sitting politely)
- Explain to the kids to not run if the dog starts chasing or nipping heels, it will only encourage the behavior
- Tell them to use inside voices, as screaming and yelling can also excite a dog
- Show them using a stuff animal how to properly greet your dog. If your dog has spots he loves/hates being touched, be sure to let the kids know
- Tell them your dog’s cues, so they know how to make him mind
- Keep your dog on leash during the first greeting, so you have control over him
- Have him drag the leash while the kids are there so you can remove him immediately should you need to
For the nervous dog…
Some dogs may be interested in the kids, but also nervous. Both dogs and kids can be unpredictable – and your dog may bite if cornered. If your dog trainer thinks it’s okay for your dog to meet the kids, follow the same protocol given above for the excited dog. A nervous dog will also appreciate a calmer atmosphere for the first meeting and knowing kids means cookies will help as well.
However, for the nervous dog, you may need to keep your distance and feed your dog treats whenever she just looks at the kids, without the pressure of being close enough for them to actually touch her. Pay attention to her body language and do not push her past her comfort zone. If she does not want the kids close, do not force her – that is when a bite happens.
Breaks
Regardless of how much your dog loves kids, they all need breaks. Throughout their visit, make sure your dog is getting some alone time (with and without you) where the kids are not present. This allows them to rest and if your dog is just “tolerating” the kids, it keeps them from getting to their “breaking point.”
Watch for signs that your dog has had enough:
- Walks away every time the kids approach
- Tries to hide somewhere away from the kids
- Trying to sleep and kids keep waking him up
- Ears and Tail are tucked and flat
- Stress panting, lip licking or drooling
- Starts to growl or snap
If you see any of these signs, it’s time for a break. Put your dog in his “kid-free zone” with a nice treat to chew on, and take the kids out to play or help you in the kitchen.
It’s a Two-Way Street
The dog is often the one blamed when things go south, but children have minds of their own as well and often their decisions and actions are a deciding factor when things go wrong. Watch the children to make sure they are not getting out of hand around your dog. If you see them playing too rough, pushing your dog’s “buttons,” or not respecting your rules, it’s time for a break as well.
The bottom-line is you, as the two-legged adult, are responsible for making sure both dog and child are behaving in such a way that a tragedy does not happen. This includes not leaving them unattended if you think either will make a bad decision.
Following these rules will help ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone under your roof.
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
