I have a six year old and a newly turned 4 year old. My children are given rules when it comes to the dogs, and the dogs are given rules when it comes to the kids. This is for everyone's safety.
What did the vet tell you to do (or not do) that would take the fun out of raising your puppy?
My rules are the following:
1. No chasing the dogs.
2. The dogs are never allowed to chase the kids.
3. The dog crates are OFF LIMITS to the kids.
4. Puppy "nipping" is never allowed.
5. The kids are involved in training and walking the dogs.
6. My youngest can only hold Scooter when I supervise and only when she is sitting.
Puppy teeth hurt. If kids chase dogs, they can fall on or step on a small dog causing severe injury or death. Allowing the dog to chase the kids causes confusion in the dog's pack status in reference with the kids.
Small children can pick up and squeeze a small dog, causing serious injury.
Play time needs to be supervised. There has been more than one instance of things like rubber bands being put around the dog's neck.
As a trainer and behaviorist, I offer Kids and Dogs Safety Classes to reduce the risk of bites and injuries. |