How to safely teach a child to care for a dog - Nana's notes

Bringing a dog into a child’s life is a wonderful experience, filled with love, laughter, and a few inevitable muddy paw prints. But for both the dog and the child, a smooth introduction is key to building a lifelong friendship.

Teach Respect and Boundaries

First, set the tone by teaching children that dogs have feelings just like us. Encourage gentle hands, calm voices, and respect for a dog’s space—especially during meals or rest time. Dogs, like people, need time to warm up to new faces, so let introductions happen at the dog’s pace.

Supervise Early Interactions

Supervision is crucial in the early days. Even the gentlest dog can feel overwhelmed by enthusiastic hugs or sudden movements. Show children how to read basic dog body language—like wagging tails or flattened ears—so they can understand when their new furry friend is happy or needs space.

Create Positive Associations Through Play

Interactive play, such as tossing a ball or using a tug toy, is a great way to build trust and positive experiences. For older children, small responsibilities—like filling the water bowl or brushing the dog—help create a sense of ownership and bonding.

Strengthen the Bond Through Feeding

One of the best ways to strengthen the relationship is by involving children in feeding. Allowing them to measure and serve the dog's meals teaches responsibility while reinforcing trust. Dogs quickly associate the child with care and nourishment, deepening their connection. At Paws on Plates, we believe that quality nutrition is essential for a dog’s happiness and well-being. By making mealtime a shared experience, children and dogs build a strong, loving bond filled with excitement and tail wags.

A Lifelong Friendship

Most importantly, encourage kindness, patience, and respect. A dog isn’t just a pet; they’re a new member of the family. When introduced in the right way, they can become a child’s most loyal companion, teaching invaluable lessons about empathy and responsibility along the way.

With time, care, and love, the bond between a child and their dog can grow into something truly special—one that lasts a lifetime. For more expert pet care tips and premium dog food solutions, explore Paws on Plates today!

These are just a few of the wonderful things we have learnt about bonding dogs with our family over the last 60 years.