10 tips to educate your dog when you have children
"Mom, can we have a dog?" If your child knows how to speak, it is rare that he has not already done this dreaded question. You can try using any distraction maneuver, from an ice cream to take you to Disneyland. But when your ingenious tactic is over, you will have to face your son because if there is something he will never forget, it is this question. Do not rush and ponder the advantages and disadvantages.
Dog yes, dog no: a difficult decision for families
Currently, 39% of families have a dog. There is a lot to consider when we face the decision to have a dog. Much has been said about the long list of benefits for young children (and babies) of living with a dog; from socio-educational (increases their self-esteem and accelerates psychomotor development) to health benefits (it has been proven that babies who live with dogs suffer less respiratory and ear infections, and are less likely to develop allergies when they grow up).
However, each family is a world. And it's important not to forget that dogs are not toys! As obvious as it may sound, the overcrowded dog kennel goes back on the theory that many people who decide to have a dog do not take into account that it is a responsibility that will take away a lot of time during the next ten years of their life. It is not a pet that only requires you to feed it and that you change the water in the tank frequently. Dogs demand dedication and patience.
10 tips to have a well-behaved dog
It is best to make a list of pros and cons. If the multiple benefits for your child unbalance the balance in your favor, congratulations !: you have become the best friend that man can have. Now it's time to learn how to train it correctly so that it adapts to your family. Here are 10 tips for having a well-behaved dog:
1. Choose the dog breed well
Before deciding between breeding or adopting you have to know which breed of dog best suits your needs. There are 5 fundamental factors when choosing your dog's breed when you have small children:
- Race temperament: Not all dog breeds are good with small children. Choose one that is loving, calm and docile.
- size: not so much of the dog as of your house. There are dogs that need their space, either because of their size or how nervous they are. In general, if you live in an apartment avoid the shepherd dogs or hunting, (unless it is a breed that suits all kinds of environments).
- expenses: Although not everyone takes into account, most of the money that you will leave in your dog will be at the vet. If you can not afford many expenses, avoid breeds that tend to have health problems. And also those that need to eat a lot.
- dog hair: It is very important to take care of the dog's hair so if you do not have time or patience, avoid those with long hair.
- your lifestyle: Having a dog is not for everyone. It is an important responsibility and, as with children, fatigue or laziness are not excuses for not meeting their needs. There are dogs that need to get out more, to brush their hair more or to take care of their eating habits. Analyze your lifestyle to see which race is perfect for your family.
2. Bidirectional education between dog and children
It is as important to train the dog as to teach the child what he can and can not do with his furry friend. There are basic rules that both must know: neither the dog can bite, disobey or growl, nor the child should bother him when he eats, hit him on the snout for no reason or ride him as if he were a horse, however tempting it is when you have a big dog .
3. Socialization of the puppy
The first 3 months of the puppy are key to teaching them how to interact with small children and other dogs. It is important, especially in the case of some breeds that by size or temperament may pose a greater risk, that you expose children and other dogs from the first moment.
4. Covers the basic needs of your dog
Whenever you have a dog you have to make sure that you will be able to devote the care you need, so be well informed of the characteristics of the breed. Be aware of the size of the house you need, the exercise you should do, the hair, the food, and the medical care you may need. A well-groomed dog is a happy dog, and if you keep it that way it will be more affectionate and docile.
5. Eye your dog's signals
The last thing a dog does is bite, but if we do not respond to the rest of the signals, he will use his last resource. We must pay attention to the growls, barks and nervousness of the dog and identify the cause. It may be warning you that your space is being invaded, that you need to go running, or that you think there is an intruder at home; listen to him and respond to his announcements in time. Keep in mind that some dogs (like the Beagle) are barkers by nature and it will not be unusual for them to bark even if they are relaxed and happy.
6. Understanding the dog's instincts
The fundamental canine instincts are prey, territoriality and dominance. Most dogs have all three but depending on the breed they will have more developed ones or others. Hunting dogs, dominant dogs and those with a strong sense of territoriality will need special attention and training.
7. The family is the dog's herd
Our concept of family is the equivalent of their concept of herd. In it the hierarchy is very well defined. It is important not only that he understands his position in the pack, but that you understand it. When we believe that a dog is jealous it only means that it has gone down in the hierarchy and is not responding well to the change. It is important that he knows his place and that you and your children know yours.
8. Show your dog who the alpha male is
Although there will always be at home only one person that your dog identifies as the alpha male of the pack (you will know who is observing who obeys the dog more easily), absolutely all family members are above him. Your children involuntarily (and effectively) will make you understand their dominance with their tail pulls, delicate caresses and blows. That is why it is important that you expose your dog to these "delights" on time. In your case, stand firm when you train your dog and distinguish the moments to play and learning.
9. Never leave them alone
If you would not leave a baby alone or with a small child (as loving as it may be), you should not leave him alone with your dog. If you are a fan of Peter Pan, having a dog sitter will seem like a fantastic idea, but everything has its limits. Until children grow up enough to be in control of the situation, it is necessary that there is always an adult present.
10. Be careful with the additions to the "herd"
The hierarchy of the family is fundamental for your dog. To avoid that jealousy that occurs when there is a new incorporation in the herd, avoid (as much as possible) make many changes in your life, such as fewer walks, more prohibitions, etc. Those that are indispensable teach them before the arrival of the baby, so that it does not associate them with this one. From the moment you have it mounted, do not let it approach the crib or enter the baby's room, see adapting to the new rhythms and schedules.
If you follow this decalogue with constancy and patience, your dog will be the joy of the house and the best company for the little ones.
Marga Wesolowski
