[onscreen text] Kids & Dogs (upbeat instrumental music) [onscreen action] Two girls sitting on the floor playing with a dog. [Narrator] The key to developing a great relationship between your dog and your kids is to establish some ground rules and supervise their interactions. [onscreen action] Dog playing with a ball in a kennel. Dog playing with family. [narrator] We'll begin by making your new dog comfortable in your home, and then move on to a series of supervised interactions. [onscreen action] Narrator on screen talking. [narrator] Now, it's important you watch this segment with the whole family, so everyone's on the same page. Okay, let's begin. (upbeat instrumental music) [onscreen text] The dog safe area. [onscreen action] Narrator continues talking on screen. [narrator] When you first bring your dog home, make sure you designate a dog safe area just for him. This is a place where he can go and be by himself, without the stress that can come from being around kids or other pets. [onscreen action] Man putting a blanket in a kennel. [narrator] Set up the area with water, his crate, and some fun toys. [onscreen action] Man putting clothes around the room. [narrator] Next, place a piece of each family member's clothing in the room, to help familiarize your dog with everyone's scent. [onscreen action] Man showing a dog the kennel. [narrator] Finally, bring your dog to the area and allow him to explore his new surroundings at his own pace. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen [onscreen text] The ground rules. [onscreen action] Girl playing in sandbox, dog drinking from a dish. [narrator] While he's getting comfortable, you should take a moment to talk with your kids about how to treat your new family member. (upbeat instrumental music) It's very important that children understand your dog isn't a toy, and in fact is very delicate. [onscreen action] Girls sitting on the floor playing with a dog. [narrator] Make it clear that there can be no tail or ear pulling, chasing, jumping on, hitting, teasing, yelling, or any other behavior that could frighten or hurt your dog. [onscreen action] Girls running around the yard. [narrator] Also, running and screaming frightens many dogs, and may cause others to chase and nip during play. [onscreen action] Girls laying on the floor coloring with a dog next to them. [narrator] So encourage calm, quiet activities for your children and your dog. [onscreen action] Dog playing with toys on a couch. [narrator] Teach your children to leave your dog alone while he's eating, sleeping, or chewing on a bone. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] They should also never stick their face right in your dog's face. And as tempting as it is to want to hug your new dog, dogs don't like to feel trapped or restrained. [onscreen action] Child sitting on a porch petting a small dog. [narrator] If you have a small dog, you should know that some may not enjoy being picked up or held. [onscreen action] Children sitting on the floor playing with a dog. [narrator] Wait until your dog is really comfortable around your children before allowing them to pick him up. [onscreen action] Children sitting on the floor petting a dog by it’s kennel being supervised by a parent. [narrator] It's also very important to recognize the signs that your dog's afraid or upset, and wants to be left alone. [onscreen text] Some of these signs include: * Eyes Widening. * Excessive Panting. * Growling. * Ears pressed flat against head. [onscreen text] Some of these signs include: * Tail tucked between legs. * Try to hide or get away. [narrator] Some of these signs include his eyes widening, excessive panting, growling, his ears pressed flat against his head, his tail tucked between his legs, or, he tries to hide or get away. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] Once you've covered these points with everyone, it's time for introductions. (upbeat instrumental music) [onscreen text] The Introduction. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] When you start introductions, you want to be sure your other pets are not in the area. And remind your children not to run up to the dog or corner him. You don't want his first experience with your kids to be overwhelming or frightening. [onscreen action] Man sitting on the floor petting the dog. [narrator] Have one child at a time enter the area, and sit in a chair or on the couch. [onscreen action] A little girl enters the room and sits on a chair. [narrator] Don't force your dog to approach your kids. Instead, let your dog set the pace. [onscreen action] Close up of the dog being pet. [narrator] Dogs and especially puppies are naturally curious, and will likely want to sniff and meet your children. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] If your dog's easily excited, you may want to put him on his leash before bringing your child over. [onscreen action] Man holding and petting a dog while a child starts petting the dog. [narrator] It's best that you handle your dog first, and take a few minutes to demonstrate the right way to pet him. [onscreen action] Close up of the girl petting the dog. [narrator] Encourage your kids to gently pet their new friend for just a few minutes at a time. Once your dog has met your first child, repeat this process with your other children one by one. [onscreen action] Man sitting on the floor by the dog as another girl enters the room and sits on a chair [narrator] After they've all had a chance to meet, your dog can begin spending time with your kids in a group, while you supervise. [onscreen action] Girls sitting on the floor petting the dog while a parent supervises. [narrator] Try not to overwhelm him with too much attention. [onscreen action] Close up of the girls petting the dog. [narrator] And remember to make sure he always has access to his crate or dog safe area. [onscreen action] Close up of a parent supervising the children. [narrator] It's important you closely supervise your kids' interactions with your new dog, to make sure they're comfortable around each other. [onscreen action] Close up of one child interacting with the dog, panning over to a close up of the other child playing with the dog. [narrator] Well intended children may touch your dog in a place he's not comfortable with, unknowingly frighten him, or even overwhelm him with their excitement. [onscreen action] Dog being pet by both girls and a parent. [narrator] If your dog is hurt or frightened, he may react by snapping or biting, so kids need to play gently. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] Also, remember that dogs, and especially puppies, may scratch or nip during play. [onscreen action] Family sitting together playing with the dog. [narrator] Finally, the maturity of your children and the personality of your dog will determine when they can be together without your supervision. [onscreen action] Close up of the girls petting the dog. [narrator] But keep in mind, some dogs and some children will always need to be supervised. [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. [narrator] Just like teaching your kids how to behave in other situations, it's important you spend the time to teach them what is and is not appropriate. With these ground rules and proper supervision, your dog and your kids can soon be well on their way to becoming life long friends.