Choose a puppy that has had a positive socialisation experience with children in the breeder's home. Older dogs should not be exposed to children until their response to children has been assessed. Prior to the arrival of the dog, children should be trained in how to interact with the animal. Children should understand the difference between an animal and a toy. The child should be encouraged to take on age appropriate responsibilities such as grooming or ensuring the water dish is full.
Older children can learn to train their dog with appropriate obedience activities.
These activities teach the dog that children are higher in the social hierarchy than they are. Introducing a child into a household with a dog. Young babies and children should never be Left alone with a dog. Young children do not have the skills or understanding of how to handle a dog appropriately. The child may have no concept of the pain they may be inflicting on a dog when handled roughly.