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Dogs and kids

Tips to help your little humans and fur-babies get along

Childhood pets always have a special place in our hearts. And your child and dog could forge a lifelong friendship.

Here are our hints to help your new fur-baby and tiny humans get off on the right paw.

Set up for success

Adopt the type of pet that would suit your home and lifestyle. Outgoing, friendly dogs are usually better suited to families with kids.

Supervise

Always supervise when your fur-baby and kids are spending time together. That way, you can keep everyone safe.

Separate

When you can't actively supervise, separate your kids and pets. Baby gates are a great way to separate rooms.

Learn dog body language

Understanding your dog's body language is vital to reading their warning signs.

Don't punish your dog

Never punish your dog for warning you that they're unhappy. Instead, find out what's making them uncomfortable and move them away.

Tips to teach your little human

  • Stay clam: encourage your child to always be calm, quiet and gentle around your dog
  • Body language matters: remind your child not to stare at your dog
  • Let your dog set the pace of the relationship: let the dog ask for pats rather than your child chasing the dog
  • Keep your hands away from your dog's mouth: if your pet has an item that you'd like, offer them a trade rather than taking it
  • Keep your face away from your dog's face: like hugging, being face-to-face with your dog can be stressful for your pet
  • Listen to your dog: teach your kids about your dog's body language and how your fur-baby will ask for pats, to play or to be left alone
  • Pat gently: when they're interacting with each other, have your child sit quietly next to your dog and gently stroke their back and side with an open hand
  • Leave your dog alone while they're eating or sleeping: make sure your kids aren't around your dog when they're eating or sleeping
  • Use a low, calm voice: dogs have much better hearing than we do, so loud screaming and yelling can be very stressful

Fun family-friendly activities

  • Go for a walk as a family
  • Let your child help you train your new dog
  • Play fun games together:
    • Name Game: call your dog's name and reward them with a treat when they respond
    • Hide-and-seek: hide from your dog, then call them and see how long it takes them to find you
    • Hide-and-seek with toys: hide a toy behind or under something and encourage your dog to search it out
    • Fetch: throw a toy or ball away from your dog and encourage them to get the item and bring it back by rewarding them with a treat when they do
    • Food hunt: scatter dog biscuits around the backyard (especially on grass) and let the dog find them

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Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
Animal Care Centre
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Sunday

Edinburgh North Shelter
4 Hewittson Road
Edinburgh North SA 5113
10am - 3pm
Thursday - Sunday
P: 08 8348 1300
E: support@awl.org.au
Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Foster a cat or kitten
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Foster a dog or puppy
About us
Who we are
Policy and position statements
Our team
Contact us
Work with us
Pet projects
Become a member
For the Love of Pets
Support AWL
Donate online
Sponsor a pet
Donate items
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer for us
Shop at our thrift shops
Help for your pet
Rehome your pet
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a lost pet
Blog
Pocket pets
Find a vet
ACNC Registered Charity
ACNC Registered Charity
© Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc
A member of Companion Animal Network Australia - CAN
08 8348 1300
support@awl.org.au
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