Big Dog Summer
This is part of our series of informational tips for adopting, training, and handling large dogs.
Despite having so much love to give, larger dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters, making them the majority of long-term shelter dogs across the country.
No matter what pet you’re adopting, it’s important to keep in mind the relationship they’ll have with children in your household. Big dogs can complete your family and become a child’s best friend. Adopting a large dog when you have children can be a rewarding experience filled with joy and companionship. However, it requires some careful planning and education to ensure the safety and happiness of both your kids and your new furry friend. Here are some tips to help make this living situation manageable and fun.
Our Top Five Tips
Supervise Interactions
Always supervise interactions between your large dog and your children. This ensures that playtime remains safe and that any potentially dangerous situations can be quickly managed.
Prepare your kids for the possibility of being accidentally knocked over. Large dogs can be exuberant and accidents happen. Teaching kids how to fall safely, get back up, and recognize sign of canine overstimulation can prevent serious injuries.
Give the Dog a Quiet Resting Area
Ensure your dog has a comfortable resting area where they can relax, away from the children. This space should be quiet and cozy, providing a safe haven for your dog to unwind.
For many dogs, this comes in the form of a dog crate!A crate gives your dog a secure place to retreat and can help manage their behavior when you’re not home. Make the crate inviting with soft bedding and a favorite toy. Visit our crate training blog post to learn more.
Educate your children about not trapping or confining the dog in a space – this safe space, or otherwise. Dogs need the freedom to move away if they feel uncomfortable.
Learn & Respect the Dog’s Preferences
Educate your children about dog body language. Understanding signs of discomfort or stress in dogs can prevent accidents and help children learn how to interact respectfully with their new pet. These signs are your dog’s way of communicating with you about their preferences, mood, health, and more.
Children will also need to respect this body language when they see it. Many dogs do not like being hugged and may only tolerate it. Teach your children to respect the dog’s boundaries and find other ways to show affection, like gentle petting. Or, if a child wants to dress their dog up in a costume, it’s possible the dog will give clear signs of discomfort. The whole family should learn how to desensitize the dog to new experiences gradually and/or respect them enough to not force them into uncomfortable situations.
Use a Drag Leash
When around new kids or children who don’t live with you, keep your large dog on a leash, or let it drag on the ground. A “drag” leash provides something to grab if your dog gets overly excited or jumpy, helping keep them out of trouble.
Teach “TRADE” for Taking Things Away
Teach your children to use the command “TRADE” when taking something away from the dog. This means replacing the item with something of higher value to avoid any possessive behavior from the dog.
Future Best Friends
By supervising interactions, creating safe spaces, and teaching both kids and dogs how to communicate and respect each other, you can foster a happy and harmonious household. Remember, patience and consistency are key to building a strong, loving bond between your children and their new canine companion. Before you know it, your large dog and your children will be best friends.
