Introducing Puppies and Children

Teach children to respect your puppy’s needs by never waking them up or bothering them while they eat. Startling a sleeping puppy can lead to disorientation or an accidental bite. If the puppy jumps, children should freeze, put their hands in their armpits, and turn their backs. Avoid running, as this triggers the puppy’s urge to chase and nip.

Encourage children to sit quietly on the floor and let the puppy choose to approach them. If the puppy walks away or stops playing, they must respect that choice and let the puppy rest. This teaches the child to be a calm leader and the puppy to feel safe and respected.