I decided that integrating your puppy into a household with small children deserved its own series of posts, as it is probably the most important issue for those with small children.

One thing that can cause a lot of problems, injuries and bad feelings is when dogs jump on children. Dogs grow quickly and their bodies grow much faster than their maturity and obedience levels! One problem this leads to is large puppies jumping on children and mounting them, which can cause fear and injury to the child. I remember when I sat down next to my German shepherd puppy who was growing fast and she ended up standing on top of me pinning me to the ground! I had to scream to my parents for help. It was very embarrassing.

The thing to remember with all dog training is that you have to get to them early. Even though a small jumping puppy may seem harmless and even cute, you have to think of the consequences when they are older and larger. Even small dogs who jump can be bothersome and destructive; having friends leave with muddy pawprints on their pants is very awkward. Think of it this way: if it’s behavior you don’t want your dog to be doing as an adult, then don’t allow them to do it as a puppy.

Aside from constantly reinforcing that jumping is not allowed with a stern “no jumping!” command, teach your small children to approach the dog from the front, such as stooping to stroke their chest or pat them. Have them avoid reaching their hands down to the dog’s head, because having hands hang over the dog will encourage him to jump!

Next time: Discipline and doggy treats!

Making sure your new family member joining the household in a smooth transition will actually require two different training processes: one for your puppy and one for your child!

Your child needs to learn that the puppy is NOT a toy! Small children can tend to pull on dogs ears and poke their fingers in sensitive areas such as the ear, nose and even the eyes of dogs. It is important to approach and introduce your child to the dog in a respectful way, so from the beginning they treat the dog as a distinct member of the family and not a play thing that they own. For very young children (under 4), it might be a better idea to keep them seperate for the safety of both the child and the pup.

Something that I do not agree with is having children actively participate in the early stages of disciplining the dog. While it is important that the dog realize that in the pecking order of the household they are a step below the children, it is better for them to recognize you as the main figure of authority, that is, the alpha. It is more effective for you to set the rules and training habits and then, as the dog becomes acclimated to you as the alpha, have your children imitate your routines and commands so the dog gradually comes to look at them as figures of authority, while still keeping you in mind as the master.

Next time we’ll talk more about children and new puppies, including setting limits on play habits and how to prevent the dogs from jumping on top of your small children!

Though bringing a new puppy into the home brings many positives along with it, any family considering adopting such an animal must also be prepared to deal with such things as puppy illness. Though it is not common, occasionally a family may be forced into a situation where there is a need to devote a large amount of money and attention to the health of their pet. This is especially taxing on those families who have never owned a pet or make hasty decisions when dealing with puppy adoption.

The adoption of a family’s first puppy is a process that’s normally filled with excitement and anticipation though on occasion a dog illness develops and the family is thrown for a loop. Having never owned a pet prior to their newest puppy, families usually scurry for answers surrounding dog illnesses in hopes that they can provide their new family member with the care they need. The internet is generally the first place new pet owners turn when in need of information which generally yields helpful results when searching for “my puppy is sick” or “what to do when your puppy is sick”.

Results typically suggest that owners monitor the dog’s behavior and demeanor. Much like people, dogs become sluggish or less energetic when they become ill. Other results suggest that a family suspect of illness keep a close eye on their puppy’s eating habits as lose of appetite might indicate a serious illness. Results for more serious problems advise owners to perform physical checks on the dog to determine if a puppy is sick. Physical checks might involve looking into the ears and eyes of a puppy as well as its paws as each is capable of revealing serious health issues. In more extreme cases owners of a puppy are advised to check the dog’s urine for blood or for the frequency at which the puppy uses the bathroom.

While all of these results offer fantastic advice the number one result, not surprisingly was to seek the advice and care of a Veterinarian. When you believe your puppy may be ill there’s no substitute for professional care. The majority of Veterinarian’s will be able to determine the cause of puppy illness with relative ease and recommend treatment without the need for addition testing. A family who believes that their puppy is sick should seek advice from a pet doctor before making any decisions regarding the care of its newest family member.