Introducing Your Dog to Visiting Children

I remember the first time my dog Adam met my niece. I was so nervous due to his energy, his size, and the fact that I didn't know if he had ever met children before. For everyone's comfort and ultimate safety, Adam wore a muzzle and was on a leash the whole time we were visiting. It's not that I thought he would do anything but on the off chance he was startled by my 4-month-old niece, I had the peace of mind that everyone was protected.

The visit went well and we went home without any incidences. And 5 years later, when we brought home our first daughter, we were similarly protective as he got used to being around a baby full-time. Adam adored people. He lived for belly rubs and sitting on your lap. But children were unpredictable. Children were wild, crazy people he had a difficult time understanding. So any time young children visited our home - or we visited a home with small children - we took precautions to ensure the safety of everyone.

Even if you think your dog will be perfectly fine with a child who visits, I always recommend taking the following precautions:

1. Create a safe space for your dog

   Make sure your dog has a quiet place to retreat if he needs it. Use his usual favorite spot - a bed in the corner, a favorite spot on the couch, a favorite room - and then add a physical barrier to ensure children can't disturb your dog while resting. I recommend a baby gate or a stand-alone pen. When the children arrive, ensure they understand the rule to not disturb your dog when they are in their safe space.

   Tip #1: Keep the safe space off to the side but not isolated from the action. Most dogs want to stay where the "fun" is happening even if they don't want to be part of it so by giving them a space out of the way but still included can help many dogs recharge and relax.

   Tip #2: Give them a bone or a food filled toy to enjoy while in their safe space*. This can increase their calmness, create a positive association with both the space and the children, and give them something to do.

   *If your dog has resource guarding behaviors of food or toys take all precautions if you choose to give your dog something special while a child is there. Kids move quickly and before you know it could get to your dog, so use multiple levels of safety if this is your household.

2. Introduce them gradually - if at all

   Allow your dog the space to observe as your guests arrive from behind a gate. Don't force introductions or interactions - let your dog choose when to approach. When your dog is calm, put them on a leash and allow slow introductions.

   However, if your dog is nervous, unsure, or having a hard time calming down, understand that it is not a requirement that your dog meets all of your visitors. Sometimes for the safety of everyone involved or even for your own enjoyment of your guests, keeping your dog separated is the best option.

   Tip #1: Most dogs bark and jump when guests arrive which can scare children. By having them behind a gate (instead of holding them on a leash), it allows you to calmly open the door without worrying where your dog is and allows your dog the ability to watch your social cues for inviting this particular guest in.

   Tip #2: Wait for your dog to be calm before introducing them to the visitors. This could take a while depending on what patterns you have around bringing guests into your home, but a dog who isn't calm can't always make good choices.

   Tip #3: Really think about if you want your dog to meet the child. If this is a one time thing in which friends from out of town are visiting and you don't get to spend much time with them, maybe its best that your dog doesn't meet them so you can enjoy your visit. It is not cruel to separate your dog for a visit. However if it is a child you will be spending a lot of time with, consider what kind of relationship you want them to have, how long each visit with them will be, and if you need professional help to guide the dog/child relationship.

2. Supervise all interactions

   The number one rule with kids and dogs is never to leave them unsupervised. Keep a close eye on your dog and watch their body language for signs of stress. When you see things like lick lips, head turns, or yawns around the children, give them a break from the ruckus. Also, make sure that the children are following the rules when it comes to your dog such as teaching appropriate petting or giving your dog space.

   TIp #1: Assign an adult different times in which it's their turn to be "on duty" for kid/dog watch. Discuss before the visit and remind everyone on arrival.

   Tip #2: If at any point you see your dog start to show signs that they don't want to be involved anymore, respect that and help them take a break.

Having kids over doesn’t have to be stressful for your dog, but it does require a little preparation. By creating a safe space, taking introductions slowly, and supervising interactions, you can set your dog up for success.

The next time you have little guests, you’ll feel more confident knowing that your dog is ready for the excitement—and hopefully, everyone leaves happy!