Playtime and Training Issues With Children and Puppies By Jeff Nenadic At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Granted, there has to be a marked delineation between playtime and training time when it comes to puppies. Additionally, if there are children in the home, they also need to be aware of the difference. Both children and puppies require certain amounts of love and affection, regular care, and supervision. The child needs to be taught to play properly, and the puppy needs to respect the child’s commands the same way he does the adults. Therefore, it is imperative that the commands you are teaching the puppy be consistent.

First and foremost, teach your children to employ the identical commands that you use so that the puppy understands that the child is also in command. This accomplishes a dual purpose in that it teaches the child and the puppy to respect one another. Although this may appear to be quite a task, it can also provide a lot of fun within the household. Most importantly, the blending of playtime and training time creates a closer bond between your child and the dog.

As an example, allow your child to run with the dog then abruptly give it the command to sit and stay. Additionally, some owners have taught the dog to roll over by allowing the child to lie down next to the dog and roll over themselves. So you can see where the enjoyment becomes a factor as well. Just remember that in many ways, the child and the puppy are a lot alike. Here are some helpful suggestions for blending playtime with training where children and puppies are concerned.
Some puppies instinctively try to be the leader so it is important that you establish who the leader is - namely you or your child. Instruct your child to never allow the dog to lead, otherwise they will think that they are in charge and not respect the commands the child is giving them. Eventually, you could lose control of the dog as well.

Never allow the playing to become rough or violent as hostility is unacceptable. Your child should never be allowed to drag, hit, poke, pull, or wrestle the puppy, even if they tell you that they are just playing with the puppy. The puppy may respond by knocking down, jumping on, or biting your child as a result.

Teach the child and the puppy that mutual respect is most important when either playing or training together. The dog will learn the concepts of leadership and respect a lot easier when you enforce this with consistency.

Establish your consistency in playing and training periods by being repetitious. Commands need to be complete and firm when given. The child needs to continually repeat the command until the puppy listens.

Never let the child squeeze the puppy when holding it as a serious injury could result.

Whenever you have a new puppy and a younger child around one another, be careful to always supervise their playtime.
This will help you get a handle on any situation quickly if that becomes necessary.

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