I love when clients and members of our Facebook community are proactive and want to prevent problems before they happen. Preparation makes such a difference. This week, I wanted to share an excellent question about preparing toddler for a new puppy from our Facebook page, in the hopes that it might help you or someone you know.
We are welcoming a puppy into our home at the end of this month and we have a 2-year old son. He understands how to be gentle and understands that animals need space. But I wonder if you have some tips for do’s and don’ts for when the puppy arrives. I want them to become the best of friends and I just want to make sure I don’t push either of their limits.
There are SO many things I love about this question. Not only does this mama understand that it helps to be prepared, but she is already being respectful of BOTH her child and the dog. It’s very common for parents to focus on one or the other, and then it’s likely that someone’s needs get lost in the shuffle. Here are some of the tips that I shared with her, broken into categories…
Preparing Toddler – Puppy Zone
Before the puppy comes home, it will be helpful to set up the space where the puppy will hang out. Puppies don’t know the rules, of course, so having a designated puppy zone at first will really help them to be successful. It can contain a cozy bed, water, and some special toys. In this zone, the puppy can’t make mistakes like eating your toddler’s favorite toy or your purse.
After you have set up this space (behind a baby gate or in a play yard or exercise pen), you can practice with your toddler to give this space a wide berth. If the pup will be in a room on the other side of a baby gate, you can mark a toddler-free zone in front of the gate on the floor with blue painter’s tape. This will not only be easy to remove later, but will be an excellent visual reminder for your kiddo to stay clear. If the pup will spend some time in a crate, it’s important that your toddler understands that the crate is a no-go zone. Dogs are safe in a crate, unless they feel that they are in danger with no escape. Imagine how terrifying it would feel to be stuck in a crate while being rushed by a wailing, toy-wielding toddler! Yikes. The painter’s tape trick would be useful around the crate, too!
Preparing Toddler – Feeding Time
If you are hoping that family mealtimes are peaceful with a puppy in the house, it helps to have the puppy contained with something delicious while you are all at the dinner table. You can put the pup in a crate for his meal at the same time you all eat yours. If your toddler is contained in a high chair, the crate is a very safe place for your puppy to be.
Your pup’s meals can also be a useful opportunity to bond with your new dog. Most toddlers love to be helpers! Have him help you to scoop kibble into either a bowl or a feeding toy. They can also help you to pour water into a bowl. Toddlers can also toss a handful of kibble into the grass or onto the floor for the puppy to find. Just make sure that the dog is on a leash or is contained until after the kibble has been thrown, to prevent the puppy from knocking over the kiddo in his excitement. While puppy is looking for his treats, have the toddler sit up on a chair to watch the action and remain a safe distance from the eating dog. Most toddlers don’t have great aim, but if he sits in his high chair or on your lap on a stool, he can toss treats to the puppy down on the floor. This can be a great bonding activity, helping the dog to see that the child is the source of good treats. It’s important to note, however, that when they are together outside of these feeding activities, that you are between them to ensure safety.
Preparing Toddler – Activities
Both puppies and toddlers are demanding and need your undivided attention sometimes. While you are spending time with your toddler, it helps to have activities or food prepared for your puppy, unless it’s nap time, of course. The same is true when you need to spend time with the puppy. Depending on your child, this would be a great time to spend some time in the high chair coloring with crayons or having a snack.
Another great activity to do with your toddler before puppy comes home is to practice being gentle petting stuffed animals. Hold his hand in yours and gently stroke the toy together. Practice keeping his hand flat, without gripping the fur and without hitting.
If your toddler is a little older, you might enjoy using this Reward Chart for polite behavior around the new puppy.
I often do impromptu Facebook Live videos to answer questions, like this one. I hope you’ll head over and join us – and maybe one day, you can ask a question of your own for me to answer.
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If you are parenting both kids and dogs, the chaos can be overwhelming! But Help is on the way. Sign up for the online class Parenting Toddlers and Dogs. Your kids and dogs deserve to feel safe, and you deserve some peace of mind. You aren’t alone. I’m here to help.
