By Srivats Lakshman, Content Curator @humansofcanines

There’s no doubt our pet pooches play a valuable role in our families, especially around children. But it’s not always you end up in a situation like your favourite film, or book. Sometimes, your kids just don’t get along with your dogs. There’s a reason for that. It’s called positive interaction.

The idea is simple – if your dogs (and your children) are happy and stress free, the interaction between them will be too. If they aren’t, things can quickly turn dangerous. That’s why it is vital you supervise interactions between young children and dogs, especially during the first few months.

But before we go into more details about how, you first need to know the what and why. Here’s what positive interactions mean, and why they are vital for your dog’s and children’s wellbeing.

What is positive interaction?

In simple terms, positive interactions refer to any and all interactions your dog has that he/she enjoys. It could be a bath, going for a walk, playtime or just lying down next to someone. If the dog is happy and comfortable during these moments, then it is considered a positive interaction. Now, it is important you know that there are two perspectives to positive interaction – the dog’s, and your child’s.

From the dog’s perspective, all interactions need to be predictable, free from stress/fear, and the ability to leave at any time. From your child’s perspective, the interaction needs to create happiness, be engaging, and have the ability to leave when desired. If the interaction isn’t positive for your dog, it could end up growling, snapping, or biting. Likewise, if your child isn’t happy they could end up hurting the dog.

That’s why you need to supervise early interactions, children can be unpredictable and they may not know that they are scaring or stressing your pet. If all goes well, your dog will no doubt be your child’s best friend, and take care of each other.

How to ensure positive interactions? This is the tricky part, young children may not always understand what they are doing is wrong or dangerous, so it’s up to you to find a way to ensure they understand that. Maybe start with small sessions, and simple exercises like petting. As long as your provide clear instructions to your child, and supervise them at all times, it is likely they’ll get used to being around the dog.

That’s why you need to supervise early interactions, children can be unpredictable and they may not know that they are scaring or stressing your pet. If all goes well, your dog will no doubt be your child’s best friend, and take care of each other.

How to ensure positive interactions?

This is the tricky part, young children may not always understand what they are doing is wrong or dangerous, so it’s up to you to find a way to ensure they understand that. Maybe start with small sessions, and simple exercises like petting. As long as your provide clear instructions to your child, and supervise them at all times, it is likely they’ll get used to being around the dog.

It is also important you take frequent breaks, so your dog can leave if he/she wants to. Also, don’t take it for granted that your dog will be comfortable in all settings around your child. In some places, like your home or garden he/she may feel comfortable, while in others like in public not as much.

You’ll have to gradually test the waters, under constant supervision to ensure that it works out well.

The benefits of positive interactions

Ensuring a happy and positive interaction between your children and pets is vital for both parties. For your children, learning how to care for a dog can teach self-reliance, self respect, love for nature, build an empathetic nature, and learn responsibility. 

Your dogs benefit greatly too! If they have constant positive interactions, they may be more trusting of others around them – like extended family who they may not see so frequently. They also tend to be more well behaved, making it easier for you. And finally, positive interactions can help your dog live a longer, and happier life.

To ensure your dog and your child have positive interactions you can contact Humans of Canines. We conduct workshops specifically targeted at dog – child interaction, feel free to contact us at @humansofcanines.com

5 Key takeaways

Too long to read? Here’s a TLDR version just for you:

• Encourage the dog to calm down around children through training
• Teach your child to respect a dog’s space by providing a dog a separate area to sleep/retire
• Teach your child how and when they can interact with the dog (remember, hugging and kissing are not always your dogs favourite)
• Teach your child to play with your dog
• Active supervision is always important to ensure the safety of the child and dog