Teaching Toddlers How to Interact with Dogs

Whether you own a dog or not, it’s important to teach your toddler how to behave around dogs. Today you’ll not only see these furry friends around the neighborhood sidewalks and parks, but also in restaurants, grocery stores, and even on airplanes. Dogs have become more and more accepted in public due to the increase in emotional support and service dog registrations. This means that your toddler could be interacting with a dog on any given day in a variety of different settings. In order to assure that your child, the dog, and the dog’s owner have a pleasant and safe interaction, here are a few tips!

If you’re a dog lover, it can be easy to go straight to petting a dog even though you’re trying to teach your toddler not to do that! Remember that your child will likely mimic your actions in these situations. Even if you see a dog you know well, treat every interaction like you’re meeting the dog for the first time so she can understand appropriate pet safety behavior.

Be sure to greet the owner and ask permission to say hello to or pet the dog. Some of the dogs you meet will be service animals and should not be touched. Let your toddler know that these service dogs are special and they’re “working” when they’re out and about. Remember that it’s never appropriate to ask why an owner needs a service dog.

If it’s not a service dog, follow the owner’s lead so he or she can help guide the experience for you and your toddler. After you ask, “Is it okay to say hello/pet your dog?” the owner can let you know if the dog is comfortable with children, if it’s shy, or if it really loves a good belly rub! Talking to the dog’s owner is an essential first step in assuring a safe, polite, and enjoyable interaction.

Many dog lovers will see a friendly-looking pup, outstretch their arms, and run towards it as if it was a long-lost love. It’s no surprise that a toddler may want to do the same thing! But regardless of how warm and approachable a dog may seem, after the owner gives the okay, it’s still important to allow the dog to approach you first. Dog trainers…

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