How to Train Your Dog to Handle a Toddler

You thought you were over the biggest hurdle once your dog accepted your baby as part of the family. Now، things are changing again. Your baby is turning into a toddler، and the sudden mobility can change the relationship with your dog. Toddlers have a tendency to pull tails، play with dog toys، and grab handfuls of dog fur. Keep this in mind as you make adjustments to keep the peace between your toddler and your dog. These tips use common sense and repetition to help you manage life with an active toddler and a pup.

Never Leave a Dog and Toddler Unsupervised

This is the most important step in keeping your toddler and your dog safe. Toddlers are unpredictable and often uncoordinated. Dogs have the potential to hurt a child، unintentionally، or otherwise. This is not a good combination. To ensure the safety of all your family members، don't leave a dog alone with an unattended toddler for even a minute.

Put Up Baby Gates

One of the best and easiest ways to protect your child from your dog، and vice versa is to use baby gates to keep them separated. Baby gates across doorways allow the dog and your toddler to see each other، but they also allow them both the freedom to play and nap without interference from each other. Baby gates can help keep both your dog and toddler safe. Remember that it's never OK to leave a dog alone with a small child.

Practice Handling Your Dog

Dogs who are used to having all parts of their bodies handled throughout their lives are more likely to accept the uncoordinated and unpredictable handling of toddlers. As soon as possible، begin teaching your dog to love being handled. Practice looking in your dog's ears، holding its paws، rubbing its fur، and tugging gently on the pooch's tail. Talk to your dog calmly، giving it praise for accepting all types of handling. It's a good idea to give the dog a few tasty treats while you are working on handling exercises.