Teach Small Kids How to Play Around Your Small Dog When They Visit

Little kids think the best way to get from point A to point B is to run. Small dogs, especially young ones, think this is a game of tag. A small running child and a small chasing dog can be a combination that will soon get the child or the dog hurt. It can be especially worrisome if you are the owner of the small dog and the child is a visiting friend or relative.

Some people may even secure their small dog in another room away from the small child. This really doesn't help either of them. The tiny dog is not learning to become socialized with children, nor is the small child learning how to play with a little dog. Taking the time to teach the two of them how to safely interact with each other will be good for them and will ease your nerves when the child comes to visit.

Show the Child How to Hold the Tiny Dog

I have a 2-year-old grandson. I recently got a 6-pound, 9-month-old Shih Tzu. They are both small and they both like to run everywhere. As soon as my grandson saw the puppy he ran to him wanting to hold him. Knowing they would both be spending time in my house together, I decided it was better to teach them how to play together instead of putting the puppy out of harm's way.

Small children understand what a baby is. They also understand about being gentle. Show the small child how to hold the tiny dog without allowing the child to squeeze the small dog. Stay close, incase the small dog squirms out of the little kid's arms. Let the child sit on a chair and hold the tiny dog in his lap. Be on guard so that the dog doesn't try to jump down.

Kids are naturally curious about animals and will become excited around them at first. This will also excite the small dog, but the more the little kid and the little dog are around each other, the less excited they will be. Placing the dog away in another room will only make the child more insistent on getting to the puppy. Make it a learning experience for both the child and the small dog.

Allow the Small Child to Play Quietly with the Tiny Dog or to Give a Treat

Small children easily understand quiet time. Teach the small child and the tiny dog just what they can play together. My grandson knows he can sit in the floor and toss toys for Stormy to go get. They both think that is great fun. My grandson also enjoys giving treats to the small dogs in my house. He has been taught to hold them gently and the dogs know to take them from him gently.

The best way to deal with small dogs and small children that come to visit is to teach them how to behave around each other. It may take a little time and patience, but it can be done. Everyone will enjoy the visit a lot more if the small child and the little dog know what to expect from each other. You'll feel much better knowing that neither the little kid nor your tiny dog is in any danger of being hurt from tripping over each other.

Of course you should still keep an eye on both of them, but teaching them is much better than keeping them separated. It's a great learning experience for both the child and the small dog. You will get to enjoy your tiny visitor and your tiny dog all at the same time.

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