Status Updates From Living with Kids and Dogs.....

You can teach the dog not to cross a rope and then put the rope down when you need the kids and dog to stay separated.

“The rule in my house is that kids trade forever. If Gordo runs through the house with one of Brandon’s stuffed animals, Brandon must trade him for it by offering a piece of kibble.”

Play a game where the kids hide the dog’s toys and he has to find them. You can have the kids hide his food dish at mealtimes and the dog has to find it. It helps the dog get physical and mental exercise.

“At first the child won’t really hide, she’ll just stand in the center of the kitchen and call the dog. While Edzo is trotting toward Elaine in the kitchen, send her brother Ethan to the powder room. After Elaine has had Edzo sit and get a treat, Ethan can call Edzo … and while Edzo is moving toward Ethan, Elaine will head to the living room... While Edzo looks for Elaine, Ethan chooses a new spot.”

“it’s far better to catch your kids doing something right than to reprimand them for doing something wrong. It’s not enough to say, “Don’t scare the dog.” You’ll also need to say something like, “Did you notice that Edzo came and sat beside you when you were reading? I think he likes to be near you when things are quiet.”

“The best way to tell whether Pixie is enjoying something is to stop the interaction, step away, and see if she seeks it out again.”

“Remember that all kids, but especially preschoolers, have a much harder time understanding what not to do than what to do. Try to avoid saying “don’t” all the time. It may take some creative phrasing, but look for ways to tell Patrick what he should do. Here are some suggestions:”

“Always start any session between Patrick and Pixie by asking Pixie for permission. Have Patrick stand still and call Pixie over to him. It’s best if Pixie approaches Patrick. That’s one way a dog says, “Yes, I would like to be with you.” If Pixie does not approach, she is saying that she doesn’t want to interact at this time.”

“In addition to escape routes, be sure that Barney has a place that is all his own, a place where Brianna will not be allowed to go. For many dogs that will be his crate, but it can be a bed or a special corner. Clearly define the area so that you will be certain to always head Brianna off when she’s waddling towards Barney’s haven.”

“Karen Delise, in her book Fatal Dog Attacks, suggests that it may take 2 months for dogs to recognize children as family members.”

“The best way to develop a bond between your dog and your baby is to make good stuff happen for Barney when Brianna is around. Whenever Brianna appears, Barney gets a tasty treat.”

“You can solve that problem by purchasing two identical toys: two tennis balls, two Frisbees, etc. When Michael throws toy #1, Missy will run to get it. As she turns and starts heading back, Michael should wave the second toy around. When she gets pretty close to him, Michael will throw toy #2. Most dogs will drop toy #1 and run off in pursuit of toy #2. Michael can simply walk over and get toy #1...”

“Tell the kids that they cannot interact with Missy when she’s in her crate (nor can they play in there when she’s out).”

“Toss a treat into the open crate from time to time when your dog isn’t looking. Then your dog will find that treats mysteriously appear in this wonderful location and she’ll go in often to investigate. • ...Consider putting the treat into the crate and closing the door for 5 minutes before you want to crate the dog. Then she’ll sit outside wishing and hoping that soon you’ll let her go in.”

“Be very boring in the yard. Just stand around ignoring Riley, and when he finally goes, “wake up,” give him a delicious treat, and start to play with him. This will teach him to go out and take care of business right away.”

“Teaching your dog to relinquish items is far better and more convenient for you. It’s simple to teach your dog to trade. When Riley has an unauthorized object in his mouth, offer him something he thinks is better, such as freeze-dried liver or other tasty treat. Keep a small container of treats on each level of your house so that you always have something yummy nearby.”