Meeting a new dog can be an exhilarating experience for kids, full of wagging tails and wet noses. But, it’s essential to teach them how to meet a new dog they haven’t met before, ensuring safety for both the child and the pet. This blog will guide you through the thoughtful process of introducing kids to a new dog, emphasizing gentle interaction and mutual respect. Don’t forget to check out our Goal Mine class, available in video form, which we made to help kids grasp these concepts independently!
Step 1: Approach Calmly
When kids learn to meet a new dog, maintaining a calm demeanor is priority number 1. Kids should walk, not run, towards the dog. Encourage them to stay relaxed and use a gentle voice, as a calm approach assures the dog and helps avoid sudden reactions.
- Tip for Parents: Assist your kids in practicing walking slowly and speaking softly before introducing them to a new dog, reinforcing the importance of a tranquil approach. This can be turned into a routine at home, and is a great way to model appropriate behavior beforehand.
Step 2: Ask for Permission
Kids have to understand the importance of asking the dog’s owner if it’s okay to approach. The owner knows the dog’s temperament best and can advise whether it’s a suitable time for introductions.
- Tip for Parents: Regularly remind your children about the significance of seeking permission and respecting the owner’s response.
Step 3: Offer a Hand
Teaching kids to extend their hand, fingers closed, allows the dog to sniff and get acquainted. This step is vital in making the dog comfortable and establishing a friendly introduction.
- Tip for Parents: Demonstrate this step to your kids, emphasizing keeping their fingers closed and hand extended, allowing them to understand the correct posture.
Read more: How to Teach Your Kids to Walk the Dog
Step 4: Gentle Petting
Once the dog seems comfortable, instruct kids to gently pet the dog, preferably on the back or the side. Avoid touching sensitive areas like the ears, paws, or tail, as it might startle the dog. And of course, no grabbing!
- Tip for Parents: Encourage your children to observe the dog’s reactions while petting, and advise them to stop if they show any signs of discomfort.
Step 5: Avoid Direct Eye Contact
Direct eye contact can be intimidating for dogs. Teach kids to avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes and, instead, to maintain a soft gaze.
- Tip for Parents: Role-play with your kids to practice maintaining a friendly, soft gaze avoiding direct, intimidating eye contact.
Step 6: Offer Treats Wisely
Rewards aren’t just for children! Kids can offer treats to make friends with the dog, but it’s essential to do so wisely. Teach them to place the treat on their open palm, avoiding any sudden movements.
- Tip for Parents: Have your children practice offering treats with an open palm and remind them to watch the dog’s reaction.
SPONSORED BY: Goally
Goally’s Kid’s Tablet has one of the largest libraries of skill-building videos (like “How to Share” and “What To Do When You’re Lost”) in the Goal Mine app.👇
When done right, introducing kids to new dogs can be a delightful and enriching experience. The above steps help ensure a smooth, friendly interaction, fostering love and respect between kids and their new furry friends. Following these steps will help ensure the child’s and the dog’s safety and comfort and check out the Goally dedicated Tablet for more classes. Now get out there and wag some tails!
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