Kids and Dogs

By Dog Momma on October 20, 2011 in for kids

Kids and dogs are a great match. They are both closer to the ground than adult humans are. Their brains are more similar. They generally have more time and energy to play than we stick-in-the-mud grown-ups do.

That’s why kids and dogs can get along fabulously—as long as you follow the three Dog Momma Principles for Kid-Dog Peaceful Coexistence.

#1: Since they have such similar needs, treat kids and dogs pretty much the same way.

Since kids and dogs both:	You should:
Are comforted when they know that momma or poppa has things under control	Set and enforce rules that will keep them safe and secure.
Need to expend a lot of energy	Let them wear each other out! Coach them in how to play safely together, and supervise all play sessions until the kids are old enough to manage the dogs on their own.
Will work for treats	Use this valuable principle as a positive method of teaching them how to behave—a win-win situation where you never have to yell or punish and the kids and dogs can feel good about their accomplishments. (You may want to use different treats for the two species.)

#2: The teacher is the leader.

Kids and dogs both really need leadership. They aren’t mind readers—or adult humans—so you can’t expect them to figure it out for themselves. Teach them! In the process you’ll be comforting them by showing them you’re in charge. (See #1.)

Teaching should emphasize what is allowed rather than what is not allowed. With kids as with dogs, teach Yes rather than No. For example, show them good ways to play together with a ball or other toy.