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Why manage introductions

  • Develop good associations

    Managed introductions help your dog create a good association for both your dog and the child, increasing the likelihood that they have a positive and healthy relationship

  • Safety and comfort

    Managing introductions between children and your dog helps ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, and reduces the risk nervous or fearful reactions

  • Avoid overstimulation

    Taking a structured approach to the introduction helps promote calmness for both your dog and the child, reducing stress and anxiety by gradually acclimating them to each other

"General Rules"

How to prepare for the introduction

Kids are awesome because they’re able to quickly absorb new concepts and ideas, and teaching them about your dog is an opportunity to leverage the “sponginess” of kids! Before you bring your new dog home, have a conversation with your kids and talk to them about:


• Respecting your dog’s space. You always want to make sure your pup has a “safe space” to retreat to. Set up the space prior to bringing your dog home, either with a crate, mat or combination of both, and tell your kids not to go in that area.


• Chase games. Discourage your kids from playing chase games with your dog. This is because chase games can encourage aggressive behaviors, and can also lead to your dog thinking you’re playing a game whenever you run after them. Instead encourage your kids to play games that involve tug toys and balls.


• The value of calm. Your dog may be nervous when you bring them home, and teaching your kids to talk to your dog in a calm and quiet voice will help your dog settle.


• Interacting with your dog. A great and simple process you can teach your child is “Pat Pet Pause.”

“Pat Pet Pause” exercise

This process was created by a group called The Family Dog, details are here, but in a nutshell:


• Step 1 - Pat. Have your child pat their leg and invite the dog into their space. If the dog comes over, proceed to step 2. If the dog doesn’t come over, they aren’t interested in interacting and your child should leave the dog alone.


• Step 2 - Pet. Using one hand, pat the dog on the shoulder or on their side. Do this for no more than 3 seconds. Avoid touching the dog on the top of the head, face or rear.


• Step 3 - Pause. Have your child stop petting your dog. If the dog walks away, petting is over. If the dog stays, your child can pet for 3 more seconds.


"Treat Toss Game"

Follow these steps to play the treat toss game


• Place a bowl on the ground and have your child stand five feet away 


• Give your child a handful of treats and have them toss one treat into the bowl 


• Wait for your dog to finish eating the first treat, then have your child throw a second treat


• Keep going like this, one treat at a time, and your dog will start to associate your child them with good things like treats!


Products we love

• Lamb lung. Dogs love these and they're perfect because they're very small.

• Treat pouch. A pouch is a great place to hold your treats.