How to prevent your child from becoming a chew toy
There are a few things you need to do to ensure a harmonious family life for you and your dog.
First of all, your new puppy needs to be included and to feel part of his new human family. This mimics the pack order dogs are used to in the wild ? learning where they come in the social hierarchy is important. It is up to you as the adult to establish yourself as the dominant figure in the family and teach your children to establish their positions in the hierarchy above your new pup.
If left alone, your pup may challenge your youngest or smallest child in an effort to place itself higher in the pecking order by barking or nipping at the child. Puppies must therefore be taught not to use their mouths on humans, even if they’re playing. If your pup bites one of your children, teach them to take hold of its muzzle and look into its eyes and say “no” firmly. Puppies must be taught what is acceptable behaviour in your household.
Your new puppy must also be taught to tolerate having their ears, mouth, feet and tail touched and to allow food to be taken from their mouth. This will help ensure that the puppy is able to tolerate any child accidentally pulling too hard on their fur or patting them a little too hard.
Although many dogs will tolerate almost any behaviour from children, they should not be expected to tolerate children who have not been taught the wrongs of hitting, kicking, pinching or tormenting their own puppy.
Puppy pre-schools and obedience classes are ideal for teaching first time dog owners how to get their pup responding to commands. This is also a good way of socialising your puppy and learning the basics in obedience, which you can practice at home with your children.
Other simple rules include making sure your children are seated before picking up your puppy, as a wriggling puppy can be dropped.
A safe area should be created where the puppy can go for rest and ‘time out’. Children should be told not to disturb it there. If a puppy is tired of playing with children and tries to move away from them, don’t let them follow.
Keeping these things in mind should allow your children and new puppy to grow up with each other peacefully and happily.
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