There's nothing more special than the bond between a child and a dog. Not only does a dog provide an endless supply of love and affection, he also serves as a teacher, showing a child what it means to be responsible and nurturing. What's more, studies have proven that children who grow up with pets tend to have higher self-esteem and better social skills.

Here are a few guidelines you should follow as a parent in order to ensure that the bond between child and dog remains strong:

1. Never leave a dog alone with a child under the age of five. Smaller children may unintentionally provoke or hurt a dog (or have food that could be nipped from little hands) which could lead to dangerous results.

2. Give your dog his own quiet place. Creating a special retreat just for your dog will give him a place where he can get away from noisy kids. Whether it's a crate or a doghouse, make sure your children understand that when the dog is in his quiet place, he's not to be disturbed.

3. Teach your children that their behaviour will affect the dog's behaviour. Make sure your kids understand that if they make quick or sudden movements around the dog, scream or make loud noises, it could excite the dog and possibly result in aggressive behaviour.

4. Don't let your children play tug of war with your dog. This rule applies to adults, too! A dog that is allowed to tug on any item may decide that it's okay grab other things as well, including a child's toy, clothing, or arm.

5. Teach your children not to bother the dog while he's eating.

6. Most importantly, make sure your children understand that all dogs are different. While their dog at home may love to play and cuddle, not all dogs are friendly towards kids. They need to know that they shouldn't run up to strange dogs and try to give them a hug.


Once your children learn these basic rules, they will be well on their way to forging a relationship with your dog that they'll cherish for years to come.