How Kids Should Act Around Dogs

Suffice it to say that I think children are like little aliens! They move differently and they talk differently than most humans. They sometimes really freak me out. Although Jenn and Eric did a good job socializing me as a puppy to children, it is just as important for parents to guide their children on how to act around dogs not only with their family dog, but with other dogs as well. Here's my friend Will feeding me out of my Squirrel Dude. Will's parents have taught him really good things about how to behave around other people's dogs. But some children can get away with lots of inappropriate behavior even with the family dog.

Dr. Sophia Yin has put together some terrific posters to show what kids should do around dogs like being polite and kind, playing appropriate games like fetch, and using reward based training:And what kids should not do around dogs like bothering the dog while eating or sleeping, taking objects away, climbing on the dog, hugging the dog, or putting your face in the dog's face:You can learn more by reading Dr. Sophia Yin's blog. The more we can all learn about helping both dogs and children get along, the safer we can all live together.

There's also a great book to guide parents by local trainer Barbara Shummenfang called "Happy Kids, Happy Dogs".