Teaching your puppy or puppies to interact with other animals and children is all a part of training puppies and providing opportunities for socialization. Other dogs and puppies also need to become accustom to each other, which is likewise a part of the training program and routine. Puppies that don't get regular and positive interactions with children, other animals and other dogs are more likely to be timid or aggressive when encountering them in real world situations.
Kids and Puppies
Children and puppies really are a great combination in most cases. Kids that are old enough to responsibly hold, pick-up and work with puppies will greatly benefit from this interaction, as will the puppies themselves. Not all breeds are ideal for children, especially smaller kids under the age of approximately 6 to 8 years of age. Smaller kids are more likely to struggle with holding, picking up and controlling the puppy and are more likely to have difficulties in being consistent in training puppies.
Generally most breeders of toy and miniature breeds are very hesitant to sell their puppies to families with young children. This is because these very tiny puppies are extremely fragile and can easily be injured by even gentle play with a child. A dropped puppy is also a very serious concern to breeders as even falling a few inches can seriously injury toy and miniature breeds. Training puppies that are this tiny can also be a challenge and younger children are not patient and understanding enough to have this responsibility.
Training children how to interact with puppies and having them participate in certain aspects of puppy training is a great idea. Your child may also be able to participate with the puppy in obedience classes or competitions, further providing socialization and building the relationship.
Dogs, Other Animals and Puppies
Dogs and puppies, while of the same species, do not always get along well together, especially when the puppy first arrives on the scene. Training puppies to interact with other dogs and your existing dogs to get along with puppies needs to be structured and supervised to prevent any injury to either the puppy or the dog. Introducing other animals such as cats, pet birds, livestock or even pet reptiles should also be done the same way and included in puppy training. Keep smaller pets away from puppies and dogs that have a strong prey instinct as this is simply asking for problems.
Be sure to start the introductions slowly, allowing the dog and puppy to get used to each other's scent under a doorway or through smelling each other through a baby gate where the puppy and dog are physically separated. You want to avoid having the older dog feel jealous of the new puppy, so don't always hold the puppy and discourage the older dog from being around, consider having someone else hold the puppy and you work with the older dog.
Don't leave puppies and dogs unsupervised and together until you are confident that there is limited chance of any issues regarding dominance or aggression. As the puppy matures he or she will test the waters with the older dog, however usually growling and raised hackles are all that you will see.
Working with dogs and puppies, other animals and children and puppies should all be part of your puppy training program. Starting early with these socialization programs will help your dog become a very well adjusted and accepting dog, ideal for being around new people, animals and places.
