My journey with Theo, Pixel, and Rocket
Building a harmonious relationship between our kids and our dogs is one of the most important things we can do as parents. With my own son, Theo, now a curious 14-month-old, and my dogs Pixel and Rocket, this is something I navigate every single day. There has been a heartbreaking rise in dog bites involving children, but many can be prevented with the right guidance.
Here is what I am personally doing to prevent bites and grow a positive, safe bond between my son and my dogs.
The golden rule: Always supervise or separate
This is the most important rule in our house. I always actively supervise interactions between Theo and the dogs. If I can’t be watching with my full attention—even for a moment—I separate them. It’s not about trust; it’s about safety. Baby gates and crates are perfect for this.
Any dog has the potential to bite. If I need to leave the room to get a glass of water, either Theo comes with me, or I shut a baby gate to create a safe separation. It takes less than 10 seconds and has become an unbreakable habit.
Teaching boundaries and personal space
Clear boundaries are essential for both toddlers and dogs to feel secure. Here’s how I manage this at home.
Respect your dog’s safe space
Pixel and Rocket have designated safe spaces—their crates and beds—where they can retreat when they need quiet time. We are teaching Theo that this space is off-limits and that he must respect it. As he’s just a toddler, it’s my full responsibility to manage this. I’ll often say, “I won’t let you do that,” and gently guide him away.
Teach gentle interactions
Interacting gently is a skill we are growing for Theo. We practice soft strokes with a flat hand on a cuddly toy dog first, always avoiding pulling on ears, tails, or fur. This helps him learn to be respectful before he even touches our dogs.
Building a positive relationship
A safe home is also a happy one. Here is how I encourage positive associations and a calm coexistence.
Create positive associations through supervised play
We have short, supervised play sessions where Theo can participate in simple, safe activities. He loves helping me hide toys for Rocket to find, and he can throw a toy for them to retrieve. We have already taught them to drop the toy at our feet, so there are no little hands near their mouths.
The power of being a “non-event”
While supervised play is great, a huge part of a harmonious household is making toddlers and dogs a “non-event” to each other. Most of the time, they are simply not each other’s business. We built this habit from the start through management and gradual integration.
Understanding your dog’s communication is key
Young children cannot effectively read a dog’s body language, so it is crucial that we as parents supervise and step in when needed. Recognising signs of discomfort—like yawning, lip licking, or trying to move away—is essential.
Remember, a growl is your dog’s way of communicating that they are worried or uncomfortable. **Never punish a dog for growling.** Doing so can teach them to skip their warning signal and go straight to a bite. I highly recommend the book “Doggie Language” by Lili Chin for its helpful illustrations.
Need a personalised plan for your family?
Every family dynamic is unique. If you’re struggling to manage the relationship between your children and your dog, a One-to-One Session is the perfect way to get a personalised plan and create a truly safe and happy home for everyone – get in touch with me today.
