You have just adopted a wonderful dog from Turtle Gardens. What happens next can make or break a living relationship. Common sense and sensitivity are paramount in any new friendship as well as understanding. In humans, talking helps resolve problems. With animals we have to set the boundaries for a compatible co-existence. All members of the family should be introduced to the new dog. It is especially important that children be given an active role in befriending the dog. This is vital when a dog has been living in a situation like ours at Turtle Gardens. Teenagers live and play together in a communal yard. They are very social with other dogs but they don’t interact with a lot of people. We call this a lack of social skills. Sometimes a dog will perceive a child as a dog and treat him like he would another puppy. If the dog bonds to an adult without  clarifying the child’s position in the household, problems will arise with  the child being hurt.  The best solution is to not let it even start.

Once the dog has settled down after the first flush of excitement of arrival, it is time to give him a treat. The youngest child should offer the treat with the supervision of a parent. Have the dog sit, in front of the child who will offer the treat hand flat so fingers will not be grabbed if the dog doesn’t know what soft mouth means.  At mealtimes, the parent can prepare the food, call the dog, have him sit then the child offers the food and puts it down. Leave the dog to eat quietly. Children need to learn when to leave the dog alone.

Once the dog has finished his meal and needs to go outside, take him out. When he goes potty, tell him “Good dog” then have the child offer the treat. The dog now sees the child as a “good” that offers treats. He is learning to respect the little human.

Take the dog for a walk, with the child.  Most dogs have learned to walk on a leash using a halti at Turtle Gardens. They also learned sit, so ask him to sit and have the child give him a treat. Over and over again. Play fetch with the dog and child. The more interaction with dog and child; the better chance of a good bonding experience.

Dogs need to learn that children are human and that good things happen when children are around. With some dogs this is a natural occurrence. With others, they need to learn it. Let common sense prevail with dogs and children.

©Turtle Gardens Animal Rescue Society. Have your pet spayed or neutered today.