Do Kids and Dogs Mix Well?

Mixing a cake is much like mixing kids with dogs; ingredients and how you mix it are two very important factors. When mixing kids and dogs together it is important to know the temperament of everyone involved and how well they tolerate the other before you decide to mix them together.

It is also important to know how to mix them together for the first time because you want to mix them safely to avoid any mishaps.

Perhaps the event that precipitates this mixing of kids and dogs the most is the arrival of a new baby into the family when the family already has a furry child. Many couples start out married life with a dog and then add a child to the mix later on after the dog has already established itself in the family.

Another time when the mixing of kids and dog may occur is when a child is fostered or adopted into the family or when a dog is added to the family after the kids have been around for a while, usually because the kids beg for a dog.

The key to introducing an established dog to a new baby's arrival is preparation. You can prepare the dog for the arrival of the baby by getting the dog used to baby gear such as the presence of baby's crib, changing table, clothes and blankets and the sounds that a baby makes by playing recorded baby sounds for your dog to listen to.

You can also let the dog know that there is such a think as the nursery and that the nursery is a room that you will go into and close the door and the dog has to stay out in the hallway. Pay attention to the dog when you are not in the nursery so that the dog understands that what you do in the nursery does not detract from the attention that the dog receives.

If the dog is young, make sure that you give the dog obedience school training so that the dog will respond to your commands and learn how to do as you ask. Safety should be the number one concern and an obedient dog is much more likely to present a safe environment for a baby.

Obedience training will be especially important when the baby grows and is ready to crawl and walk. Not all dogs are comfortable with this stage and may either see the baby as a threat to ears and tail or see the baby as possible prey. You should praise the dog for being still around the baby and never leave the dog alone with the baby. Monitor closely and be prepared to give the dog treats for good behavior. Given time and encouragement your dog will get used to the baby’s ability to crawl and walk.

Once your child is old enough, it is important to teach the child how to gently play with the dog and to respect the dog’s food and water dishes. Certain breeds tolerate young children better than others. You can speak with your vet beforehand and get some pointers as to how your particular dog’s breed may react to the addition of a new baby or child.

Never leave a young child alone with a dog until you have taught the child how to be nice and gentle with the dog. Not all dogs tolerate tail pulling or fists grabbing tufts of hair. Teach your child how to pet the dog without pulling the dog’s fur, striking the dog or startling the dog. Never allow your child to hit the dog or poke at the eyes. A threatened or startled dog may growl or bite, frightening the child.