Introducing puppy to young kids/socialization tips?

[Jess & Stewart]

Hi all, 

I am reading up on socialization tips for when I welcome my pup home and had some questions. Within my family, there are 6 kids (3 nieces, 2 nephews) They range in age from 6 to 1 year old. Any tips on making the introductions a positive experience? 

I've heard of rubbing a small amount of butter onto their hands, so the pup will lick it, then you praise/reward for not using teeth. I know stand like a tree, look for rain etc as techniques if the pup gets rowdy or jumpy. I'll also tell them that the pup doesn't like hugging and likes gentle petting. I want to make sure all experiences are positive. 

Also, regarding taking a young pup out, most of the women go out for Black Friday, to a large outdoor outlet mall in PA. It is surprisingly pet friendly and rather than stay home that day, I figured if we do go, I could bring the pup in a small carrier & hold them as we walk around. Even if people don't pet the pup, they would still see many things, hear sounds etc. 

How cautious would I need to be if I did bring the pup? Is it ok to let people who come up to us pet the pup? I'm curious if that's ok--I was also planning to carry the pup on walks around UPenn/Philly. Wasn't sure if I'd need to say no if anyone approached us. 

How cautious is too cautious in the first weeks--I don't want to overdo it and shelter the pup...

Thanks--your help is appreciated!

[Adina P]

The kids may or may not be all over the puppy.  So I would perhaps hold puppy at first and let them pet puppy on your lap and after the novelty wears off then let puppy loose in their house/yard and supervise--you'll mostly be directing or redirecting the kids or rescuing puppy. As long as ALL 6 human kids aren't running around wildly or manhandling puppy/chasing it, it should all be fine. The main thing is you want puppy to experience kids (their funny walking, wild movements, and high pitched voices in a positive way).  To know that puppy has heard/seen/felt kids nearby and those kids didn't scare it or squash it.

[Adina P]

You might also talk to the kids about puppies and how hyper they can be and all the 'stand like a tree' stuff BEFORE you ever introduce them (before puppy is home even) and practice with them.  Drill them randomly "Uh oh puppy is jumping on you...WHAT do you do?"  Even then the youngest ones probably will still not react as you want them to.  So as long as you're there to STOP the puppy, it will be fine. 

[Jess & Stewart]

They aren't particularly rowdy kids and they all have dogs of their own (choc lab and cocker spaniel).I had planned on saying that Aunt Jess will soon have a puppy, but it's different that your "puppy" since yours are older, know you more etc.  One brother has 3 kids, the other has 2. I figured going to their homes would be great for socialization since they have dogs, children, my brothers etc, all of which the pup won't experience at home with me.

My stepsister has 2 medium pitbulls, they aren't particularly well mannered. Any advice for introductions to them? I thought I could at least have the pup near them (holding) while the dogs are in the same room. But I wouldn't want the association to be negative if they're rowdy.

[Sally S Miles]

One at a time, sitting down only to touch or hold.  This is a prime opportunity to teach the kids about other life forms and understanding of other creatures.   

They need to learn where and how to touch, how to turn away, how to say no convincingly, how to squeal if teeth touch, and how to be gently.  All kids and all dogs are different, vigilance is critical.  My six year old grandson sets off our girl, he learned slowly, but the three year old has total command of the situation and did from the get go. Go figure... The twelve year old thinks he knows it all - he's a real chill dude.

Butter on fingers for a dog is silly - they prefer the taste of you, it's your essence - but long ago folks did this for cats.    Please take the time to introduce slowly - never leave them alone together.  Teach them to let pup sleep, offer appropriate chew toys - this can be an incredibly rewarding experience for all. Congratulations and wishing you well.

The thing that concerns me with taking young pups out is the opportunity for picking up nasty things - so in a carrier not so bad, but what about potty break?  Puppies need to void often.      We did go potty - load in crate, take short ride, very brief visit to store in blanket covered cart - then home again.  By the time walking around is ok, she thought the whole thing was great and missed her blanket and considered herself hot stuff for being out on lead.    Petting - not good as there is still Parvo and nasties that folks have no clue about... never mind what they ate or how they handle themselves....   I'm one who will err on the side of caution... but I'm an old gal who is tired.  Also - if you go to a dog popular area and your pup is not 'road ready' make sure to remove your shoes at home so as to not track in.   I'm one who loves to haul them everywhere and the first few weeks are tough - short and sweet outings are great.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would not introduce the puppy to the kids for as long as you can put it off so that the puppy gets settled in a bit with your home and the new environment.  If you are going to their homes, I would bring a crate or ex-pen or human baby corral so that you can safely let the dog off your lap, and let him watch the goings on.  As to introducing your pup to to poorly behaved pits,  hmmmmm = never is my opinion. :-}