Toddlers and pets
Even the friendliest family pet can be a problem unless parents teach their children how to safely interact with pets. Most problems that arise between a dog and a child occur when the child reaches the crawling and walking stages.
When the child starts to walk, the pet might feel threatened. Pets often don't know how to read the new little human's strange behavior—flailing arms, invading the dog's space, and sometimes accidentally falling on the pet.
Things to watch for
Once your baby begins to crawl, make sure she doesn't pull on the dog's tail or ears, which may cause your dog to snap or growl. Even the most tolerant dog has his limits!
Also be aware that the normal sudden movements and high-pitched noises of a toddler may cause your pet to become overly excited or agitated. It’s important to never leave a child, no matter what age, alone with a dog. Make adult supervision a strict rule in your household.
Help teach your toddler how to best interact with your dog using these tips:
- Read books about animals to your toddler to help him understand that pets have feelings too.
- While your child is watching, rub your dog behind the ears, talking in a low, soothing voice.
- Demonstrate how to approach a pet—slowly from the side.
- Communicate off-limits behavior. Teach toddlers that tail- or ear-pulling, poking eyes, or feeding a pet isn’t acceptable behavior and that a gentle touch is needed for petting.
- Teaching toddlers to "play gentle" can be challenging. Choose key words to communicate gentle behavior such as "easy," "gentle," or "nice." Practice using the words with a toddler while demonstrating gentle behavior on a stuffed animal. Stroke the stuffed animal with the toddler's hand as you repeat the words.
- Let your child help brush the dog—as you hold the collar and feed your dog a few treats.
- Positive play. Allow your child to play supervised games with the dog that foster cooperation and control. Games might include fetch with a ball or flying disc, blowing bubbles, kicking a soccer ball around, or learning fun tricks.
- Time out. Your dog will need some daily time away from the children. Give your dog a place to retreat. Use an indoor crate that is off-limits to the children, or baby-gate your dog into a safe room such as a kitchen or bedroom.
Products
GERBER® GRADUATES® LIL' ENTRÉES® Dishes
Nutritious mealtime combinations in one convenient ready-to-serve tray.
Learn More