Wee Chi Chihuahua's
Canadian Kennel Club
Living together with kids and pets
This is also one of the most common questions I receive, especially with regards to my chihuahuas and other toy breeds. Many breeders will not allow their small breed puppies to be adopted to families with small children. While this is a great concern, there are many factors when I decide to allow my pups to go to families with children. I do not recommend giving a puppy to anyone under the age of 18 a puppy as a gift. The chance of the novelty wearing off is very high, and the dog most likely will end up being a burden and re-homed. Bringing a dog/puppy home should be a family decision, with everyone knowing their role in the care of the new family member. Proper planning is key! The breed you bring home should be a big consideration too. We have 2 boxers (spayed & neutered of course), and took a lot of time to make that decision. While we love our chihuahuas, we also wanted to have a larger breed that could keep up with the quads, that are tough enough to go on rough camping trips and keep up with the kids.
The key to living together safely with dogs and kids is...SUPERVISION!!
Almost all problems that develop are from lack of supervision. While parents usually have the best intentions in mind, it takes time and patience to successfully live in harmony. Pets can become overwhelmed and cornered by a busy child, and will not know how to react to a child who's crying, screaming or grabbing at your pet. Kids don't always know that their actions are startling or hurting a pet, they don't pick up on warning signs that the pet may become aggressive, so it is our job as parents to help them learn.
I have a wonderful cat that we trust to be around our very tiny puppies. It wasn't alway this way, it took a lot of training for her to be safe with my pups. I started by trimming her nails and covering them with special plastic covers (found at pet stores and vet clinics). Then I slowly introduced her to older puppies. She would start by putting them into a bear hug and try to bite, but I was there with a squirt bottle, and gave her a little spray at the same time saying "be nice". I rewarded her with treats when she was gentle. Now, she is a great babysitter with my babies. I still keep her nails trimmed to prevent any scratches. She is happy to play tag with them and wrestle around. At the same time, my puppies are learning to live with cats, that they can be pals.
Dogs and Cats should all be socialized to kids and all kinds of noise.
Bringing home a new baby?
When you have a new baby, but already have a dog or cat, you may be wondering how they will act. Knowing normal animal behavior & preparing your pet can help a great deal. Get your dog or cat ready for the idea that they won't be the center of attention anymore. Make changes in your routine long before your new baby is brought home from the hospital. Try putting up a baby gate and get them used to being separated from you for periods of time. Some families introduce their pets to something with the babies smell on it, before they meet the baby. Try a blanket or toy and let your pet investigate it. When you are ready to bring home baby, let the mother come in and say "hello" to the pet first, then you can bring in the new family member. It is important to remember, do not discipline your pet for being curious about the baby. Reward your pet for all good behavior around your new baby, rather than scolding them for bad behavior. Redirect your pet if they are too excited and bring them back once they settle down. If you are calm. chances are they will be too.
Socializing your new puppy:
You most likely have heard all about this, but what does it really mean? Socialization is important because it minimizes fear and anxiety in adult dogs, lowering the risk of aggression. The most important time in your puppy's life is up to 14 weeks of age. Introducing them to as many people, sounds, situations and other animals during this time will help them to be comfortable with all kinds of situations as they mature.
What to socialize to:
The key to living together safely with dogs and kids is...SUPERVISION!!
Almost all problems that develop are from lack of supervision. While parents usually have the best intentions in mind, it takes time and patience to successfully live in harmony. Pets can become overwhelmed and cornered by a busy child, and will not know how to react to a child who's crying, screaming or grabbing at your pet. Kids don't always know that their actions are startling or hurting a pet, they don't pick up on warning signs that the pet may become aggressive, so it is our job as parents to help them learn.
I have a wonderful cat that we trust to be around our very tiny puppies. It wasn't alway this way, it took a lot of training for her to be safe with my pups. I started by trimming her nails and covering them with special plastic covers (found at pet stores and vet clinics). Then I slowly introduced her to older puppies. She would start by putting them into a bear hug and try to bite, but I was there with a squirt bottle, and gave her a little spray at the same time saying "be nice". I rewarded her with treats when she was gentle. Now, she is a great babysitter with my babies. I still keep her nails trimmed to prevent any scratches. She is happy to play tag with them and wrestle around. At the same time, my puppies are learning to live with cats, that they can be pals.
Dogs and Cats should all be socialized to kids and all kinds of noise.
Bringing home a new baby?
When you have a new baby, but already have a dog or cat, you may be wondering how they will act. Knowing normal animal behavior & preparing your pet can help a great deal. Get your dog or cat ready for the idea that they won't be the center of attention anymore. Make changes in your routine long before your new baby is brought home from the hospital. Try putting up a baby gate and get them used to being separated from you for periods of time. Some families introduce their pets to something with the babies smell on it, before they meet the baby. Try a blanket or toy and let your pet investigate it. When you are ready to bring home baby, let the mother come in and say "hello" to the pet first, then you can bring in the new family member. It is important to remember, do not discipline your pet for being curious about the baby. Reward your pet for all good behavior around your new baby, rather than scolding them for bad behavior. Redirect your pet if they are too excited and bring them back once they settle down. If you are calm. chances are they will be too.
Tips:
Manners Please
Common sense tells us that manners are important. It is no different with our pets. Teach your dog to lay quietly in a special area to receive a treat. Teach your dog not to jump, how to walk beside you properly and what "down" means.
Baby Gates
These are very helpful for containing children and dogs, and for keeping them separated when needed.
Exercise
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, this will make him less agitated and more willing to follow your commands. Walking your dog give you a great chance for one-on-one time with your dog.
Hugging
Hugging or holding a baby looks dangerous to a dog. He may get agitated or start barking & jumping to try to keep everyone safe. Teach your dog to sit for a treat when he becomes upset about hugging or carrying your child, he will learn that he has nothing to be concerned about.
Cats & your child sleeping
Until your child is old enough to crawl and get into the sitting position, he may be in danger from your cat while sleeping. Until they reach this stage, it is important to keep them separated when your child is sleeping.
Kids playing with a small puppy
Teach your child to sit while holding your new puppy. Supervise at all times to be sure that your child and your new pet learn to interact appropriately. This will lower the risk of injury to your child & your pet.
Allergies
If you or your children have allergies to pets, please be sure to get a pet that will not cause any trouble. I see too many pets being re-homed because of allergies. If you are unsure, please spend time with the breed of puppy or cat before you get one.
Manners Please
Common sense tells us that manners are important. It is no different with our pets. Teach your dog to lay quietly in a special area to receive a treat. Teach your dog not to jump, how to walk beside you properly and what "down" means.
Baby Gates
These are very helpful for containing children and dogs, and for keeping them separated when needed.
Exercise
Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, this will make him less agitated and more willing to follow your commands. Walking your dog give you a great chance for one-on-one time with your dog.
Hugging
Hugging or holding a baby looks dangerous to a dog. He may get agitated or start barking & jumping to try to keep everyone safe. Teach your dog to sit for a treat when he becomes upset about hugging or carrying your child, he will learn that he has nothing to be concerned about.
Cats & your child sleeping
Until your child is old enough to crawl and get into the sitting position, he may be in danger from your cat while sleeping. Until they reach this stage, it is important to keep them separated when your child is sleeping.
Kids playing with a small puppy
Teach your child to sit while holding your new puppy. Supervise at all times to be sure that your child and your new pet learn to interact appropriately. This will lower the risk of injury to your child & your pet.
Allergies
If you or your children have allergies to pets, please be sure to get a pet that will not cause any trouble. I see too many pets being re-homed because of allergies. If you are unsure, please spend time with the breed of puppy or cat before you get one.
Socializing your new puppy:
You most likely have heard all about this, but what does it really mean? Socialization is important because it minimizes fear and anxiety in adult dogs, lowering the risk of aggression. The most important time in your puppy's life is up to 14 weeks of age. Introducing them to as many people, sounds, situations and other animals during this time will help them to be comfortable with all kinds of situations as they mature.
What to socialize to:
- People who look different, beards, glasses, uniforms & ethnic groups
- People who act differently, children, infants, elderly & disabled persons
- All kinds of different animals
- Places, homes, vehicles, vet clinics etc
- Sights & sounds of all kinds
- Surfaces, grass, pavement, gravel, carpet & wood
- Stairs & elevators
- Water (supervised of course)
Remember to use positive rewards when socializing your pet to new things. I have new visitors give my dogs a treat when they first meet. This makes the idea of new people a positive experience.
Be sure that any pets or contact with feces are limited until all vaccinations have been given. All other pets that your dog has contact with should be fully vaccinated prior to contact if your puppy has not received all their shots.
And most of all, Have fun!! Having a pet is a great incentive for you and your children to explore the world.
Be sure that any pets or contact with feces are limited until all vaccinations have been given. All other pets that your dog has contact with should be fully vaccinated prior to contact if your puppy has not received all their shots.
And most of all, Have fun!! Having a pet is a great incentive for you and your children to explore the world.
