Parenting can be challenging, let alone doing it along with raising a puppy or having a dog! Whichever your case, moms and dads need to understand that children, no matter what their age, are always looking to you for guidance and so is your dog!

Whether you are raising a puppy or own an adult dog, having children in the mix can have its own special neurosis. You may find yourself yelling at the kids or your dog constantly. Neither choice is effective or positive. Here are two of my tips that have helped many of my clients over the years..

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢ Tips for children three years and up:

1. Talk to your kids at bedtime about dogs. The focus is different and it allows for the positive to come out. Spend a few minutes at bedtime reflecting not reprimanding your child for poking and squeezing the family dog. That way you are both characterizing what your family dog means to the family and all of the good qualities about your dog. This reminds your child that a dog is not a toy.

2. Begin a photo album exclusively about your dog and your child. This is a creative way to include your child in the process of owning a dog. Include photos identifying daily tasks such as feeding, walking, training and  going to the vet etc. Isolating each task with a photo is a fun way to teach your child the importance of your dog’s daily routine and encourages involvement.

Dogs and children should always have adult supervision when together!!