Teaching Kids how to Touch Dogs

Practice with your child on a stuffed toy or with Mummy or Daddy before making actual contact with a dog.    You can also show an example to a child of what it can be like for a dog to be petted by giving a demonstration on them.  The good example is where you ask the child to pretend to be the dog.  Then explain that you will pat them two different styles and that afterwards you will ask them which they thought was nicest.

Ok, here’s the first way. Reaching your hand slowly toward and brushing their cheek whilst repeating softly ‘Good boy/girl’

Then the second way.  Reach quickly and palm down tap them a few times on the top of the head (ok not too hard please) whilst speaking louder.  This will help them to understand what kinds of movements or sounds are gentler.

Once you’ve established (with the owner) that their dog ‘is’ kid-friendly, do not allow the child to approach the dog.  It is now time to invite the dog as to whether it wants an interaction.  The dog should be allowed to approach of it’s own accord and contact should never be forced.  Allow the dog to move forward and sniff.  Petting gently on the side of the dog’s shoulder is a good start.  Keep contact short; only a few seconds and then stop.  If the dog comes back for more or indicates it wants more by not looking or moving away and if the dog turns back in towards the interaction, more contact can be made. Once everyone is comfortable then you can move to other parts of the dogs body provided the dog is comfortable.

Positioning your body side-on to the dog is the least confrontational and avoid staring into the dogs eyes.

Do not lean over the dog. This can crowd their space or make them feel threatened.

With younger children I like to be directly next to or behind them and guide their hand with mine so I can monitor pressure and to help the child build confidence.  Remember that even young pups can be scary for kids as pups have very sharp teeth and can hurt even when they are just being playful.

www.thefamilydog.com have a fabulous video about this on their website called ‘Pat Pet Pause’.  Check it out 🙂

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)