Choosing a new puppy can be the beginning of a long lasting relationship. From the very start it is your obligation to set procedures in place that meets your expectations and requirements.

Seeing small children and dogs playing together is often a adorable sight. What’s more, psychological studies have indicated that those fortunate to grow-up in the surroundings of family pets, tend to have a more contented childhood.

Children that grow-up with a pet in the family are more inclined to care and respect creatures of all shapes and sizes. These children will learn sympathy, handling responsibilities, and empathy. Self-esteem and self-confidence are developed also, due to contributing to the care of a living animal.

These learning experiences and benefits between a child and family pet aren’t earned automatically. A patient and responsible adult is necessary to introduce a small child to a puppy. And later to show how to interact properly.

From the beginning, its important that the puppy learns to obey and respect the child as it would other members of the household. This insures a healthy and loving relationship for the entire family.

The moment that the puppy is introduced to the family - needs to give a lasting impression. That first introduction, ought to show a small child the ideal way of treating a dog. Children need to recognize that a puppy is like a baby, and ought to be treated as one.

It’s important to look at all situations that could result in an injury to child or puppy. At the age of seven or younger, children have the tendency to get overly excited in new situations - this is to be expected. That excitement needs to be calmed when it comes to introducing a new puppy to the family.

Actions such as loud noises, tugging or chasing the puppy, and other such behaviour results in a scared and frightened puppy.

In those situations, a puppy is likely to run and hide, than to let a child pet him. If this happens to a very young pup, it find its mom and hides behind her. After 12 weeks or so, a puppy sees these behaviours as a threat and is likely to react by jumping up or to attempt to nip.

Introducing a child to a new family pet is through guidance and restraint. In its early life, treat the puppy as a baby - this ensures that a child will be gentle when holding him. To teach a child on being gentle, use a stuffed-toy, and show how to pet and hold properly. Practice this to ensure that children and dogs go well on arrival in the family home.