Teaching Child How to Interact with Pets

First, in a firm voice tell the child no when the child is harming the animal. Second, again when the child is caught in action make the sit in time out for three minutes ... set the timer.

My daughter is also two, and was bitten by a dog that we are familiar with over the weekend (thankfully, she walked away with only scratches and a few tears); so I'm really interested right now in children's safety around pets. Ironically, I'd just ordered a book for her called "May I Pet Your Dog?: The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids)" by Stephanie Calmenson. I haven't received the book yet, but I've heard excellent reviews and read good things about it.

The particular book that I ordered seems to be geared more toward children meeting new dogs, and not necessarily a pet in the home. Luckily, our dog is excellent with children and adults alike (I love pugs!). I have also read good reviews about another book, "Tails Are Not for Pulling" by Elizabeth Verdick. It is more about how to behave with a pet in your home; it is a board book and is intended for preschool ages.

Both books offer advice that we as adults may or may not be aware of (or just don't remember) in dealing with animals, and both are said to do a good job of putting the information in terms young children can easily understand. Both are available on amazon.com.

You've already received some good advice from the others here. Maybe an adult could spend some time each day with your nephew and with the dog, showing him the correct way to approch her, pet her, show love for her, etc. Luckily, young children absorb and learn things very quickly, so with some consistency, it should not take long for him to pick up good habits and a respect for the animal's space (and toys) that will serve him well in the future not only with your dog, but others as well. My daughter was very interested in our dog's tail and his eyes when she was younger, and she had to have a few time-outs when she pulled his tail (or legs) or got too close to his face, or was just too rough in general. It didn't take long for her to get the message and now she's very gentle with him and everybody is happy. Good luck!

I am a big fan of Boxers! They're the best dogs in the world, very sweet and gentle. I'm also a big fan of kids, of all ages; I've raised mine and a couple I didn't birth, I'm an Aunt and a great-aunt and now am a grandma - you have to teach children respect for animals at an early age. You need to insist that child does NOT hit, slap or in anyway strike out or aggravate that poor old dog! 2 years old is old enough to be punished for hitting - anyone or anything! If he can't be nice to your dog then he should not be allowed to be around him until he learns some manners. I don't mean to sound harsh but a child that strikes out has some issues that need to be dealt with to begin with (who is hitting him?) Meanwhile do not leave him alone with the dog obviously, but please find out what is bothering the little guy to the point of hitting an old dog. Remember also that your home is also your dogs home and this child is kind of invading his space. I went through this with a grandchild and my dear old boxer, she was always swinging toys around him and "petting" was more like hitting and made him nervous so we just had to have the rule of keeping her very supervised at all times, and yes it seemed like all she wanted to do was "pat the dog" and it was exhausting trying to keep her away....but eventually she got tired of trying to get to him. Unfortunately he aged and passed on before she could ever get to know him as an older child and be trusted with him. Good Luck to you!

Never leave any young child alone with any dog--for the safety and well-being of both child and dog. In this case, I think if YOU cannot watch the child with the dog, then they shouldn't be together. Don't allow the child to pull ears or tail, pinch, bite, etc. I'm sure as dog owner you know what your fur-baby appreciates and what she doesn't. If the child continues to do something to the dog he has been told not to he should be separated from the dog and I would put him in a time-out. This is what I do with my child. I realize this not your child, but it's unlikely your sister-in-law is going to care about your boxer as much as you do, so you may have to ask permission to enforce these rules.

I would speak to my SIL and let her know that the dog is part of your family and that her son needs to respect that and keep a close eye on her child. You did not say if she has a job or not. As mentioned your are the ALPHA female in the house and you need to protect your dog as he/she is a member of your family pack and the other two are strangers. Keep the child away especially kicking and hitting. Yes, show the teeth to the toddler and let it know it could/and would be hurt if he plays rough with dog. Protect your dog at all costs as it does not know what is going on with the new members. Love your dog more and let it know it still has its place in family ranking. Good luck.

At that age, don't know how much attenting they will pay to you, but explain every time you catch her near the dog to be easy and be nice, don't hurt the puppy. You wouldn't want anyone to kick or hit you, and the dog may be hurt and bite you real bad back. Say don't if this doesn't work, and remove her from the area, and say you can't play near the dog until you can act nice. Good luck I feel for the dog.

I think the two year old is still just too little to have any pets around, your children don't have the control or the understanding at this age for pets. I have a 4 yr old boy and he is around cats and dogs at my in laws and from time to time he still gets scratched from the cats for pulling tails and not being very nice (he has his nice times too and loves animals)he just doesnt have the self control or the understanding to know what might happen if he does something.
If I were you I would keep the dog and child seprated unless you can be right there and show the child how to be nice and how to play nice.

Unfortunately, 2 year olds cannot intellectually understand the issue with the dog, so your best bet is to keep them separate as much as possible and only allow the child around the dog when there is adult supervision. It is certainly not acceptable for the child to kick or slap the dog and he needs to be told so. However, many dog experts don't recommend having dogs around when you have kids under 7 (many humane societies will not give rescues to homes with kids under age 7 unless you already have pets). I certainly know there are many exceptions. It's just the combination of dogs natural instincts and the typical behavior of a toddler that is exploring and learning about the world that can make for a dangerous combination.

Checking memory bank for how I handled this one many moons ago: I took my son and sat down with him and the dog and showed him how to pet her. I also showed him her teeth and said they were meant for biting and I would not punish the dog if she bit him. I did some time outs for him when he did hit her and let him see me pet her and comfort her and give her treats because of his treatment. ONce she did snap at him (just for warning - it scared him) and I did "reward" her in front of him and then told him leave her alone, be nice or it would happen worse if kept up. I don't remember it taking him long to change his behavior because I showed him no mercy. My son now has had 2 boxers because they are known for being very tolerant of family and protective. So if she snaps at him, don't punish the dog! Remember you are the Alpha in your dogs world and it is your responsibility to care for her - the moved in with you and it's your rules to obey.

at his age he does not realize that he is hurting the animal, like anything else they have to be watched and taught told no etc i have a 4 yr old granddaughter who continues to think they are toys and has to be constantly reminded that they are alive and she can not do what she wants with them, once again constant supervision around the animal firm no take and move them away from the animal if possible put the animal in another room and keep the door shut for its safety if the child is not responding to no etc. some children respond well others dont all are different good luck god bless

I would model good behavior and have everyone in the family do the same in regards to the pet. Show your child how to pet the dog. Talk about Good Touch and being gentle. Tell/Show your child that pets like to be petted on their backs. Gently stroke your pet with one hand, back and forth very gently. If your child does this while you do it. Praise your child and encourage good behavior.

The kicking and slapping, I would have a time out for and say No kicking or No slapping. Any time dealing with the dog, you need to be the example that he looks up to. I would take time out to pet your dog and encourage your child to come and pet the dog with you.

You could call a vet and ask for some tips. Maybe Purina website might have some suggestions.

Outside I would encourage ball throwing- appropriate playing with the dog. It will get better over time. Good Luck.