- Supervise, supervise, supervise. Toddlers need constant, close supervision when near dogs, even if it’s your own. They are very busy little creatures (the toddlers, not the puppy!) and will often see the puppy as another toy to play with. Toddlers can hurt puppies by poking, pulling their tail, standing, or lying on them and puppies can nip or scratch a child.
- Toddlers can be unintentionally less than gentle, so practise on a stuffed animal first! Show them how to pet the stuffed animal gently and calmly, and how to hold their hands out in front of the dog’s nose for them to sniff.
- Teach children to leave the puppy alone if he is sleeping, eating or in his puppy pen.
- Train your puppy to obey commands such as sit, stay, drop, and come.
- It’s a good idea to pick up any puppy toys to stop your toddler from grabbing them and possibly putting them in their mouths. It’s important though, to teach your child not to take a toy away from the puppy while it is playing.
- After playing with your puppy, always wash your toddler’s hands.
When choosing a puppy to be part of your family, research what breed will be best for your family, lifestyle and environment.
Source: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/
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