By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Puppy:

Isn’t this exciting? You are the first puppy in this wonderful new home, with so many things you’ve never even seen before, and so much to learn. Very small children, for example, are not exactly “people” or “puppies.” They are sort of in-between you and your Person Who Must Be Obeyed. Treat them gently. Older kids will be real pals who will feed you, give you treats, teach you how to get up on their beds, play games — all that neat stuff. Mind your manners and they’ll be your pals for life. Cats are very different. Better leave them alone for now.

A Word to the Puppy’s Owner:

A puppy curled up with a baby or preschooler can make an adorable photograph. (Please note the period!) What those photos do not show are all the things that can so easily end the otherwise sweet relationship. Turn your back for a split second and the baby will have bitten the furry pup’s ear or pulled its tail, as any baby might do to its teddy bear. But when hurt, the puppy will respond the only way it can — with sharp puppy teeth. That’s one good reason responsible breeders generally do not place puppies in homes with babies or toddlers, or even in some cases where there are children under the age of 8 or 10.

Parents should be aware (and kids made aware) of the fact that all puppies use their mouths when playing, whether it’s with other pups, toys, or kids. Those mouths have sharp teeth. A child who has not been taught (emphatically) how to play with a puppy will scream that the pup bit them, when in fact, the puppy was merely using its mouth in play. This can happen when both the child’s hand and the pup’s mouth reach for the dog’s toy simultaneously. It is not biting, so the pup should be distracted (not punished) and the child should be told exactly what did happen and why. The simple explanation as to “why” it happened is that the puppy has to use its mouth because it does not have fingers!

Kids of all ages need to be taught not to pull away when a young puppy puts its mouth on an arm or leg in play. Plenty of adults also have the scars to prove it’s not a smart thing to do. This is the most important reason never to play tug-o-war with a puppy. Wait until the dog is older and has learned to “Give it” on command.

There are loads of things you’ll teach your 10- to 16-week-old puppy that he’ll gulp down in a matter of weeks, but don’t kid yourself. The dog will need reminders for the next couple of years! Be sure all the children in the family know, and understand, the puppy’s rules. Preschoolers can be very bossy, so parental supervision is essential for the sake of the pup — and the child. Preteenagers on the other hand can be super playmates for dogs. They can also be a bit forgetful. Gentle reminders work best. “Did you close Buddy’s gate? You did? Good girl!” It’s the old stand-by for teaching the dog, called positive reinforcement, and it works on kids, too. Teenagers can be . . . well, taken up with their own lives and other teenagers! But dogs are super at keeping secrets.

Kids of every age can — and should — be involved in the care of their dog. They can learn how, when and where to feed the dog and to provide fresh water (without spilling it!). They can learn how to groom their particular dog, even if it’s only soft and gentle brushing for starters. They can learn how to keep the dog safe — to close gates and doors, and how to use the dog’s collar and leash properly.

Don’t forget the highlight in the life of a family dog is playtime with the kids. For everyone’s safety and fun, there have to be some rules for both the kids and the dogs, so adult supervision is necessary. Oh, okay, that way the adults can get in on the fun and games, too!

Until next time — BE GOOD!

 —Bardi