Here at Woof Republic, we think all kids should have a dog in their lives. I know that my favorite memories growing up involve my beloved toy poodle, Molly. From taking her on neighborhood's walks to dressing her up in Build-A-Bear clothes, we just had the time of our lives together. 

On top of being a wonderful companion, a dog can also greatly benefit your child’s mental well being. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry noted that the presence of a pooch in your household can help with your child’s empathy, as well as their self-esteem. 

That being said, we know that it can be tricky introducing a new dog to your child, especially if they are both on the younger side. If you do decide to get your kid a furry friend, here are few tips to make sure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Encourage Gentle Touches

Anyone who’s ever been around a kid knows that they aren’t super gentle, which is unfortunate as dogs do not like rough touches. In fact, many dogs are inclined to bite if, say, their tail gets pulled. 

For this reason, you’ll need to explain to your child that dogs must be handled with great care. Before you bring home a pup, use a stuffed animal to practice gentle petting. Also, it’s best to instruct your child to avoid touching a dog’s face, as that can decrease the likelihood of them getting bitten.

Remind Your Kid To Take It Slow

When it comes to interacting with a new dog, your kid may get a little antsy. They probably will want to immediately start playing with their  furry friend and who can blame them. 

Many dogs, however, are fearful upon meeting their new family. To ensure that they feel secure in their new environment, your child will have to be as calm and collected as possible. 

This means allowing the pup to make the first move. Instruct your child to put their back of their hand close to the dog’s nose. If your dog seems receptive, your child can gently stroke your dog’s neck.  

Supervisor All Interactions

A good rule of the thumb is that children and dogs should not be left alone together. Under your watchful eye, you can correct certain behavior and ensure that everyone is having a good time. You can also thwart any potential plans of them working together to sneak cookies from the kitchen. 

Consider Crate Training 

There’s a good chance that your dog is going to adore your kid. But he’ll still need his alone time. Give your dog a crate where he can comfortably curl up and be out of reach from your child. 

Give Both Your Dog & Kid Plenty Of Praise 

During this adjustment period, give your kid and pup plenty of praise! They’re doing great and they deserve it!