Are you thinking of buying a puppy or are waiting for your new bundle of joy to arrive, but do not know how to integrate it into the family?
This article will give you some tips on how you can keep your little one safe. It sounds a bit ridiculous when it’s just a harmless puppy, but this puppy will grow into an adolescent dog, a teenager (and we all know what teenagers are like? Unpredictable)!
By building good solid foundations with your puppy from the moment you bring the little bundle of fluff home it will only serve your dog and your family well in the long run.
Should you want to find out more details or key tips on training that begins from the moment you pick up the puppy and the first few weeks of life click here and this will take you to an excellent article which will guide you to the best way to train your new puppy with zero knowledge.
But this is about training humans. If we understand how our behaviour impacts a dog then we will have the most incredible K9 companion.
11 Steps when bringing a puppy home to your young family!
Step 1 – Talk to your child before you bring home the puppy, and explain to them about being gentle and the simple commands and hand gestures to use for Sit, Lie Down, & Heal. 3 simple commands that the whole household agrees on.
Step 2 – Explain to your child that a puppy is not a toy and that biting is not OK but he/she will do it to say a short No if this does happen and to walk away. Do not leave your baby/toddler/child alone with the puppy without supervision. Both child and puppy need to learn how to be gentle with each other.
Step 3 – Bringing your puppy home – The puppy will be nervous, especially in the first few days. It is important to keep a calm and relaxed environment, do not allow too many visitors too soon as much as you desperately want to show your puppy off. Keep to the family circle only to build the bonds and get to know one another, however, it is important to bring in outsiders who also interact with your dog so they understand that there is no need for unnecessary protection.
Step 4 – Play with your puppy using games like retrieving, and hunting out objects, Start teaching your puppy to understand the simple commands. In the early stages get your children to observe until they & you feel that they can confidently use the commands. Avoid rough and tumble games, biting and tug of war. Do not force play – if your child wants to play he/she should invite the puppy over, should the puppy not come then the child should respect that and not force him/her to do so.
Step 5 – Do not feed your puppy at the same time that you eat. It’s advisable to feed them well after you have finished your meal. Place your puppy in a crate or on its bed during mealtime to reduce the chance of a dog that begs and stealing food.
Step 6 – Do not feed your puppy human processed food, dogs are not designed to eat cheese, peanuts, ham, crisps etc… the lines become very blurred between what they can eat and what they can’t, you will encourage, begging, stealing of food, and in some cases food aggression not to mention you are slowly killing your dog with kindness.
Step 7 – Avoid licking – Dogs & puppies’ mouths are full of germs and invisible pathogens. Worms and bacterial infections can be transmitted between humans and dogs. Do not allow licking it is unhygienic and can be dangerous.
Step 8 – Get your children to practice recall with the dog but understand not to overuse the recall as this can backfire – Use a reward system of low salt natural dog treats, carrots (or other dog-friendly vegetables or fruit that your puppy likes), cut up pieces of chicken, ( cooked to avoid any potential risk to health) etc….
Step 9 –Be clear to the puppy where he/she sleeps. When the puppy is sleeping tell your children not to disturb them – sleeping time is a precious for their growth and recovery from all their endless hours of playing. Explain to your child that when your puppy is sleeping and eating leave them well alone. Always have a sacred place where the dog can take itself away, where it feels safe and secure a place where it is not disturbed.
Step 10 – Praise – tell your child to praise the puppy, like us humans we thrive on positive reinforcement. Show your child how to stroke your puppy with a gentle smooth motion with the hair not against it.
Step 11- Make your child aware that the puppy is not to be sat on, have its ears or tail pulled, eyes poked, or put its hands in its mouth. To me, this is common sense, but too many adults turn a blind eye and do not see it happening until one day the child does something and the dog snaps causing only a very sad result. Respect the dog I find asking your child to imagine they were a dog what would they do if someone pulled their ears or sat on them how would it make them feel – every time the answer is the same!
If you are an inexperienced dog owner to become the best it is always advisable to contact a trained professional to give both yourself and the puppy the best start which will lead to a harmonious existence together! Be the best leader you can be ask the experts!
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