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.

New babies
When it comes to newborn babies, the way individual dogs will respond will depend upon their genetics, personality and experience.

To keep any disruptions to a minimum, make sure your dog's bed, feeding and water dishes, toys, litter tray etc. remain in a private position away from busy areas. If necessary, they can be re-sited (if the 'dog's room' has been turned into a nursery, for example).

Once the baby becomes a toddler, your dog will want to eat, rest and sleep in a safe area that can be sealed off with a baby gate. An indoor kennel or crate makes an ideal den for a dog, installed plenty of time before the arrival of the baby to allow your pet to get used to it. Knowing that the dog is in the den will help you to relax, knowing your child is safe to wander around, as well as providing a safe haven for the dog.

The arrival of a baby can affect the normal scent profile of your dog's territory, leading to a possible upheaval in moods. Some sulk, some get agitated and some try to get more attention from older members of the family. Pheromone preparations, which help dogs to relax, are available from vets and can be applied to new items in advance of the baby's arrival. 

Tasty treats and offering more attention are both useful tactics to help associate the baby's presence with good things! Dogs shouldn't be petted or comforted when worried by the arrival of a new baby, as this only reinforces their anxiety. Instead, wait for them to relax or start to play and then cuddle them in another room. But many dogs naturally take on a nanny role with a new baby, becoming useful protectors and playmates for a growing child. Try to avoid the high chair becoming a source of food, with your dog waiting nearby for dropped morsels!

Older kids
Most dogs love having babies around, because it means more visitors and more attention for them as well! But the time children start to become independently mobile is when the novelty will start wearing off for. A crawling or toddling child can take a dog by surprise and his or her squeals and shrieks can be frightening.

Providing places of retreat for the dog is even more 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 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.