How do you keep them both happy and safe?

Children growing up with a pet see that animal as a personal friend or member of the family and it does not matter if it is a fish, cat, chicken, dog or any other pet. Research has also shown that children who grow up with a dog tend to have a better health because they are more active and suffer less from allergies and asthma. A dog can also help children deal with rules and responsibility and teach them to be kind, caring and respectful. In other words, dogs and children can be a great combination, but as a parent it is important to make sure that both the children and the dog learn how to behave around each other and respect each other's boundaries.

Check our 10 tips below:

• Think very carefully beforehand about whether a dog would fit into your family

Think carefully and honestly about the impact a dog would have in your family. What are the financial implications, what breed traits fit your family, how much time and energy are you willing/able to spare daily, does everyone in the family want a dog, is your house/garden a safe place for a dog, do you want to go on holydays with or without a dog, how many hours a day will the dog be home alone, etc ....

• Socialize your pup

We know that dogs accept situations, environments, smells, other animals, sounds and people more readily if they have come into contact with them during their socialization period (8 weeks – 16 weeks). During the socialization period, try to allow a puppy to interact frequently and positively with children of preferably different ages. Socialization is extremely important for a dog's well-being, health and happiness.

• Make sure your pup has learned a basic level of obedience

A well-behaved dog is the foundation for a happy family and the safety of children. Obedience not only makes a dog happier and more relaxed, but also creates trust between a dog and its owner through clear communication.

• Don't allow your dog to jump up

It is best to teach your dog not to jump up. Young children especially can be injured if they are knocked over by the dog.

• Never leave children unattended with a dog

Small children (< 10 years old) should never be left alone with a dog, regardless of the dog's age, breed, size or temperament.

• The water bowl, food bowl and dog bed are for the dog only

The simplest and safest way is to make a special feeding area for your dog in another room where the children are not allowed. If the food and water bowls are within reach of the children, it is important to teach children not to play near them and certainly not when the dog is eating.

• Teach children to respect the dog

It is very important to teach children to respect the dog's boundaries and that animals deserve kindness and respect. Do not allow them to pull the tail or the ears, to slap the dog, or to disturb the dog when he/she is eating or sleeping.

• Educate children on the dangers for the dog of chocolate, raisins, grapes,…

A pet is often a child's first friend, buddy and often partner in crime. Children therefore tend to want to share their treats with their dog. So it is important to teach children that despite their good intentions, they should not give the dog everything, because there are foods we humans eat that can actually make their dear friend very sick.

• Teach children to always ask permission before approaching, touching, or petting a (strange) dog.

Many children are naturally attracted to dogs. As a parent, it is important to teach children how to behave safely around a strange dog.

• The responsibility for a pet always lies with the parents

Although the ultimate responsibility for the dog always lies with the parents, it is important to involve children in the care of the dog. This can teach children responsibility and other important skills.