Desensitising Young Children to a New Puppy

Bringing a new puppy into your home can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, especially for young children. Let us be clear young children really have no concept of what “we are getting a puppy” actually means. Puppies, full of energy and curiosity, can sometimes unintentionally overwhelm children, leading to stress for both parties. Desensitising your children to the puppy’s arrival and teaching them how to interact safely is key to fostering a harmonious relationship between your kids and your new furry family member.

This guide will provide actionable steps to prepare your children for the puppy’s arrival and establish safe and respectful interactions.

Why Desensitisation is Important

Children, particularly those under five, may not understand how fragile puppies can be or recognise dog body language. Additionally, puppies are in a critical learning phase, and their experiences with children can shape how they perceive and behave around them as adult dogs. Desensitising your children to the puppy’s presence ensures a positive environment where both can learn to co-exist safely and happily.

Preparing Children for the Puppy’s Arrival

1. Educate Your Child About Puppy Behaviour

• Discuss Puppies’ Needs: Explain that puppies, like babies, need time to learn, rest, and explore their surroundings.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Let your child know that the puppy may nibble, bark, jump, or have accidents.
• Teach Patience: Emphasise that puppies are learning, just like they are, and mistakes will happen.

2. Practice Calm Interactions

Encourage children to remain calm when interacting with the puppy. If your child is prone to high-energy excitement, practice activities such as:

• Speaking softly around the puppy.
• Moving slowly rather than running or jumping near the dog.
• Standing still like a “tree” if the puppy becomes too excited or jumpy.

3. Create a Puppy-Free Zone

Designate areas where the puppy is not allowed to go, giving children a safe space to play without the puppy’s interference. Similarly, create puppy-only zones for the dog to retreat when it needs a break.

Set these areas up well in advance so that your young children can get used to the new “furniture” such as room divider, play pens, crates etc.

In addition, if you are going to be using a puppy sling when out and about practising wearing it around the house so your children get used to seeing it. Explain that puppy cant go on the floor until its finished its vaccinations “medicine” but it can go outside if we carry him/her.

4. Role-Playing Games

Role-play different scenarios to prepare your child for a variety of puppy behaviours:

• Jumping Up: Practice having your child turn away and stay calm when “jumped on.”
• Gentle Petting: Teach your child to pet the dog’s back or side gently instead of patting the head or pulling ears.
• Avoiding Rough Play: Reinforce that roughhousing is not safe and that puppies can feel pain just like humans.

5. Involve Children in Puppy Preparations

Getting your child involved in setting up the puppy’s space, selecting toys, or preparing food bowls helps foster a sense of responsibility and excitement. It also reinforces that the puppy is part of the family and needs care and respect.

Safety Guidelines for Children Around Dogs

Even after desensitisation, maintaining safety is essential. Here are key safety rules every family should follow:

1. Supervise All Interactions

• Always supervise playtime between young children and puppies to prevent accidental harm.
• Ensure an adult is present when children feed or play with the puppy.

2. Teach Safe Touching

• Pet the puppy gently on its back or sides.
• Avoid touching sensitive areas such as the ears, tail, or paws.
• Never hug or squeeze a puppy tightly, as this can cause fear or discomfort.

3. Respect the Puppy’s Space

• Do not disturb the puppy when it is eating, sleeping, or chewing a toy.
• Teach children to recognise when the dog needs alone time and to give it space.

4. Recognise Warning Signs

Help children understand dog body language and recognise when a dog is uncomfortable:

• Signs of a Happy Dog: Wagging tail, relaxed body, and playful behaviour.
• Signs of a Stressed Dog: Growling, showing teeth, stiff posture, or hiding.

Teach children to walk away and inform an adult if they see these warning signs.

5. Avoid Rough Play

• Discourage children from engaging in activities like tug-of-war, wrestling, or chasing games, as these can escalate quickly and confuse the puppy.
• Instead, encourage calm games such as fetch or teaching the puppy simple commands.

Positive Reinforcement for Both Children and Puppies

Reward Calm Behaviour

• Praise and reward your child when they demonstrate safe and respectful interactions with the puppy.
• Similarly, use positive reinforcement to encourage the puppy to behave calmly around children.

Involve Children in Training

Age-appropriate tasks, such as teaching simple commands or helping to refill water bowls, give children a sense of responsibility and reinforce positive interactions.

Building a Lifelong Bond

By taking time to desensitise your children to the puppy’s arrival and teaching safety guidelines, you are laying the foundation for a strong, respectful bond between your child and dog. As both your child and puppy grow and learn together, their relationship will become one of companionship, love, and trust.

Summary of Tips

• Before the Puppy Arrives: Talk about puppy behaviour, practice calm interactions, and create designated spaces.
• Safety Guidelines: Supervise play, teach gentle handling, and respect the puppy’s space.
• Positive Reinforcement: Encourage and reward calm, respectful behaviour in both children and puppies.

By implementing these strategies, you can ensure a safe and joyful experience for both your child and new puppy as they embark on their journey as lifelong companions.