Having a dog in the family can really help to give young children a sense of responsibility early on in life. Children raised with pets have been shown to be more sociable as adults, both with people and animals. They also tend to have better communication skills, and are much less likely to develop allergies towards pet fur. Even so, children can often be over enthusiastic (to say the least) in developing a relationship with a pet, so a little education and adult supervision are required, especially at a young age.

Older kids

Most dogs love having babies around, because it means more visitors and more attention for them as well, but if you are at all concerned when you discover that you are pregnant, or when you bring your baby home, seek professional advice via your vet! But the time children start to become independently mobile is when the novelty and benefits may start wearing off for the dog. A crawling or toddling child can take a dog by surprise and his or her squeals and shrieks can be frightening so again, seek professional advice immediately if you are at all concerned.

Providing places of retreat for the dog is especially important at this stage. Dogs don't like being chased around by owners or anyone else trying to be nice to them; the sudden uncoordinated or persistent chase of toddlers can be very disturbing. Parents should always supervise interactions between their children and dogs until they are sure that the children are old enough and wise enough to approach calmly, handle gently and read the signs to gauge if attention is welcome - and when it isn't. Young children should never be allowed to try and pick a dog up until they are strong enough to hold the pet properly.

But playing 'hands-free' by throwing balls and toys for the dog to chase, sitting quietly near a dog or perhaps stroking and grooming if the dog enjoys it, are all good ways for children to get to know about dogs and respect for the different moods and needs of another creature. Again, making the experience pleasurable for the dog and child alike by positive reinforcement, with praise or a treat for the dog, and praise for the child, can slowly help build the right type of interaction and relationship.

When older, children should also be taught how to help train the dog, and share responsibility for walking and exercising him when the time is right.

A few tips

• Teach young children not to chase the dog.
• Teach them how to stroke your pet gently, and train the dog to respond to the child's instructions in return for rewards.
• Teach children where best to stroke the dog - the top of the head and along the back.
• Tails should never be pulled.
• The dog should always be left alone when eating, toileting, or sleeping.
• Children should wash their hands after stroking the dog.

The information contained in this article is not a substitute for individual veterinary or behavioural advice and is for information purposes only. You should always consult a veterinary surgeon if you have any concerns about your pet’s health. He or she will be able to take a complete medical history and physically examine your pet, to then recommend appropriate individual advice or treatment options. For detailed behavioural advice tailored specifically for your pet, we recommend that you contact a qualified pet behaviourist. For further details of local canine and feline behaviourists practising in your area and how they offer help for with problem pets, please contact The Coape Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers at www.capbt.org, or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.co.uk. Do bear in mind that while dog trainers can take you on as a client directly, pet behaviourists will always require a referral from your veterinary surgeon.