How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Children

A house with a white picket fence, kids and dogs playing in the yard, that's the American Dream, right? Maybe at your house the dream is a little skewed because your dog is scared of your kids, or isn't crazy about interacting with them. Here are some ideas for helping your dog realize that some of the best sources of food (and love) come from those little people. Part of training the dog to adjust is training the kids to respect the dog and his space, too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog treats

1. Every interaction your dog has with your children is a chance for your dog to become more comfortable with them. Encourage your kids at least once a day to call the dog over, pet the dog gently, and give him a treat. Your dog may not want to participate at first (small people sometimes pull hair and tails, no wonder) but bacon can be a hard thing to pass up.

2. Have your child start clipping the leash on your dog when you're going out for walks. This will help the dog to associate your child with the happy prospect of going out for a walk.

3. Have your child scoop out the food for the dog and place the bowl in front of him at mealtime. Let them brush the dog while he eats, if he'll tolerate that.

4. Let your child walk the dog for short periods when you take him out. Have the child ask the dog to sit, and let her give the dog his treat.

5. Have your child let the dog in and out the back door when it's time to come in or go out. This will establish the child as a leader in the house that the dog must respect.

6. Praise your child when they treat the dog with love and respect, and discourage them from roughhousing with a sensitive pet. Your child's gentleness will help give the confidence in the child.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave children and pets unattended.