When a child begins crawling or walking, your dog may be unsure of how to react to this little human who is now sharing the floor. Young children tend to make sudden movements and high-pitched noises that can overexcite or agitate your dog. You can help ensure that both your child and your pet can enjoy this new stage in their lives together by teaching both of them how to respect each other.

Children will model behaviors that they see around them. Your interactions with your dog will shape your child’s interactions. While supervising closely, involve your child in simple care, grooming and training. By rewarding your dog while your child is helping, you will help your dog build positive associations with children.

Have your child help feed the dog. This can be as simple as having your child scoop the food into the dog’s bowl. When old enough, you can teach your child to give the dog the “sit” command before setting the bowl down for the dog.

As you hold your dog’s collar and offer some treats, show your child how to gently brush your dog.

Playtime is a good way for toddlers and dogs to interact. The games should foster cooperation and control. Appropriate activities would be playing fetch, blowing bubbles, hide and seek (your dog gets a treat when the child is found), kicking a ball around or teaching new tricks. Many dogs will withstand all kinds of roughhousing, but you should set limits on play. Your child should learn that activities such as ear, tail and fur pulling, hitting with toys, chasing the dog, and wrestling are not acceptable. They should learn that the Golden Rule applies to their pet, too.

Don’t allow or train your dog to do anything that you would not want the dog doing with your toddler. This means that no adults should engage in rough play with the dog. Tug of war, wrestling, etc. teach your dog that it is okay to be rough with people. When your dog attempts these activities with your toddler, the results can be disastrous.

If your dog is high energy, use up some of that energy before playtime with your child. If during play, your dog becomes too excited, end the game immediately and try again when your dog is calmer. Be aware that some dogs can become agitated or overexcited when children run and scream.

The easiest way to maintain child and dog harmony is to minimize interactions that can cause problems. If your dog is possessive of toys make sure that the toys are put away while your toddler is in the area. If your dog is possessive of food and treats, they should only be given to the dog in a place that is inaccessible to the child. Teach your child that it is not acceptable to take objects out of the dog’s mouth. If at any time you hear your dog growling at your child, consult with a professional immediately. Aggression problems tend to escalate quickly. Never leave your child and dog alone together.

There are many ways to teach your child how to respect all animals and your dog in particular. You can read books about animals that show pets have feelings, too. While your child is watching, rub and stroke your pet while talking in a calm, soothing voice. Show your child how to approach a dog slowly from the side. Most importantly, lead by example. Treat your dog with respect yourself. Make sure the dog has a place to retreat to when a break is needed from little ones.

Child-pet respect is a two-way street. Both parties need to learn to respect each other. Children should be taught to pet gently, stay away from food, toys and bones and let the dog sleep undisturbed. Your dog also needs to learn to treat your child with respect. Basic obedience training is very important so that you have control of your dog. And your dog also needs to understand that when the child is old enough to use the obedience commands, the dog is to heed those commands.

The time when your child starts crawling and walking and talking marks the beginning of a new level of interaction between your child and your dog. As both learn to respect each other, a strong bond forms that will bring great joy to each. With your teaching and modeling of behaviors, you can ensure many years of love and devotion between your child and your dog. After all, every child and dog wants a best buddy to share their lives.