Kids + Dogs = My Favorite
Pet Influencer CarrieAnn MonteLeon
Bringing home a family dog isn’t always the Disney movie that we had hoped for initially. Here are some tips to make the transition more enjoyable.
Food is power to a dog, so let your kids take turns feeding at meal time. This is an instant way to make your children a very important person to the dog, instead of Mom doing all of the meals.
Dogs are pack animals who believe in a system of pecking order. The person with the food and favorite toys becomes the important one! Have your kids walk around with your dog’s toys, and then let them initiate playtime. Teach your children to put on, and take off the leash from the beginning. The leash represents “control.”
Ninety percent of dogs who are in shelters are there because of the poor relationship with the kids, and these few pointers, and proper dog training, including with your kids, can be a most rewarding experience.
When training, I always work with the kids and some toddlers!
The idea of a family dog sounds great, but planning, training, and proper execution is a must, or chaos can ensue. “Mom, Rusty just bit me,” or “Mom, Chloe just stole my toy, my flip-flops, hair scrunchie, the remote control,” etc.
I love getting family cards and photos when my clients are on vacation with their dog, and holiday cards featuring the kids smiling and their dog in the center. This is always so special. Some are children who, at one point, didn’t want anything to do with their dog.
Working with kids and dogs has always been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Empowering children to become the dog’s best friend and form a true bond is priceless.
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