Have a puppy or are considering one? Congratulations! Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time for everyone in your household, but certain steps should be taken to properly introduce children to their new furry family member. After all, you and I both know that children and puppies alike are notorious for being very excitable and not always thinking before acting.

They’re sure to become friends quickly, but you can help smooth the process (and prevent unnecessary aggression) by following these seven tips:

1. Teach patience

Staying patient is the golden rule that should be followed throughout your dog ownership. If your child is like most, chances are they’ll get very excited when they first see the new puppy and will want to pet/play with them right away. So it’s very important that you talk with them beforehand about staying patient and letting the puppy come to them first. Have your child stay still and reach out their hand slowly to the puppy. [Read more…]