I get a lot of calls about kids and dogs and how they relate to each other. They are actually very similar. Both needs rules and boundaries, both can get over excited and have a hard time calming down, and both are drawn to each other. If you have kids and dogs together in the same house it is important for the children to be accountable for following certain rules where the dogs are concerned. In this way both the children and dogs can live peacefully and respectfully together.
Here are my families rules that we all obey for the safety of our dogs and us.
(Some of our rules may be more strict than your home needs because of how many and how often we have foster dogs come through but it is a good idea to agree on a set as a family and post them for everyone to see.)
Dog Rules
- no wrestling or rough play with the dogs
- dogs need to be in their kennels before friends come over
- always use the gate when going in and out the front door
- no teasing dogs
- no playing in the back yard alone with the dogs
- stay off the floor with the dogs
- remember: no talking, touching or looking at new dogs or ours when first coming into the house.
- no excitement of fighting around the dogs
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