By Kyle McKay, Guest Writer

everyone is unique. We each have our own likes and dislikes, personalities, and comfort zones.

Dogs have these personality traits too, but sometimes, it can be hard to remember this when you meet a dog for the first time.

Some canine companions are very friendly. They’ll run up to you wagging their tails wildly, practically begging you to pet them and play with them. This is usually the default expectation for most people when encountering an unfamiliar dog in public.

But it’s important to know that’s not always the case.and even if your dog is friendlythat doesn’t mean every dog ​​the two of you meet will be.

Just like humans, some dogs need a little more space than people expect. A dogs can be timid and suspicious Surround yourself with new animals or people. But how do you know when this is the case?

This is where yellow dog project Play a role. The Yellow Dog Project is a global social movement in which dog owners place yellow ribbons, scarves or bows on their dogs’ leashes or collars as a warning that their dogs need space.

these dogs are called DINOS, or “The Dog That Needs Space.” You should not assume that DINO is aggressive, dangerous, or completely unapproachable. Often, these dogs have fear or pain issues due to recent surgery, or may be rescue or shelter dogs that have not been adequately socialized and are still in training.

If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon, for whatever reason, be sure to steer clear and leave plenty of room until the owner says it’s ok to move closer.

The project started in September 2012 after its founder, dog trainer Tara Palardy, found a similar idea on a Swedish website.

While Palardy thought the idea of ​​the Swedish group was great, she thought more could be done to spread the word, so she started a The Yellow Dog Project Facebook Group.

Drivers have grown accustomed to yellow as a warning color, as it is used to warn drivers of dangers on the road. It seemed like a natural choice to use this subtle but distinct sign to tell people that dogs need space.

The project benefits all participants; dogs that need space get it, and their pet parents no longer have to repeat their dog’s need for personal space to strangers, a process that can be tiring and even embarrassing.

With increased awareness, the movement can also Help Prevent Dog Bite。 Both children and adults can refrain from pushing the dog into an uncomfortable corner where it appears to the dog that the only option is to bite.

“Why dogs bite is a complex topic, but I think the main reason dogs bite is out of fear,” trainer Mike Wombacher of Dog Gone Good explain. “Most bites happen to young children because they can’t understand the signals a dog might be giving that they don’t want to be approached or petted.”

Wombacher, who has more than 20 years of dog training experience and has conducted about 20,000 home behavior consultations, says managing your dog is key.

“By management, I mean owners know how their dog will behave in certain situations and help their dog avoid situations where the dog may feel vulnerable or uncomfortable.”

And that’s where The Yellow Dog Project can help.But beware: Tie a yellow ribbon on your dog will not limit your legal liability In the event of an attack.

Kyle McKay writes on pet-related topics, including general information about pets Affordable Dog Insurance Options and other pet-related news. He also enjoys learning how to publish pet-related news on the web.

we have detailed How ThunderShirts work But if you’re planning on wearing the shirt for the first time on July 4th, make sure you know how you Action should be taken when the fireworks go off.

Did you know that you shouldn’t yell at your dog for barking? ThunderShirt has some training tips on their website Wear it with a shirt.

we also consulted The Pooch Coach, Trainer Beverly Ulbrich, for tips on dealing with 4th of July noise. Here’s her advice:

A tired dog is a happy dog. Exercise always tires out your dog and thus helps it perform better. Do more walking and running during stressful times to help your dog relax and make him less likely to react to loud sounds or anything he’s afraid of.

Lead by example. make sure you Stay calm amid loud and sudden sounds! Sometimes, we project fear by expecting it to exist. It’s like when a kid falls down, their parents say, “Oh my gosh, Johnny! Are you okay? I bet you’re badly hurt!” The kid sees their parent’s reaction and starts cry. Instead, if you just say, “You’re fine, Johnny. Let’s get you up and see. Yes, you’re fine. Let’s go get some ice cream.” Don’t feed your dog’s reaction. Tell him it’s foolish to be afraid.

redirect. Play and/or follow commands with your dog when the sound dies down. You can even put on some loud music to help drown out the noise if you want. Just make sure you give him something to do instead of running, hiding, or shaking him.

Desensitization. You can download the sound of fireworks (or sirens or any other sound your dog is afraid of) and play it for your dog at a low volume, slowly building his tolerance. As you work through these exercises, it’s still important to remember that all of the steps above are still important.

beginner. If you have a puppy who hasn’t heard of fireworks, make sure and teach him that they are fun! Celebrate with him instead of looking for any fearful reactions. I train my dogs to run outside with me when we hear fireworks – because they know it’s exciting and fun!

If your dog is really nervous and you feel you can seek professional help, dog trainer It’s just a phone call away.

By: Beverly Ulbrich, Guest Writer

Most people have heard that you should mess with your puppy’s food when he is young to make sure he doesn’t growl at you or bite you. But did you know you need to keep doing this throughout your dog’s life?

You never know when you need to grab something dangerous from your dog’s mouth, or when someone might try to pet your dog while it’s chewing something. So you need to make sure your dog knows it’s okay.

You need to make sure your dog doesn’t react to any of the following:

• Put your hand in his bowl and remove the bowl while he is eating
• pet him while he eats
• petting him while he chews on bones or other chew toys
• take away anything he is chewing or playing with
• Once you’re sure he’s safe, ask another family member or friend to do the same

If you can do all of these things, great! Just practice occasionally to make sure your dog stays in shape.

If you don’t feel safe trying these things, then Do not do this! But you deserve help. The Pooch Coach can help train your dog so that he feels comfortable and even likes having someone to hold his food bowl for. You can also teach your dog to put anything in its mouth. In fact, Here’s The Pooch Coach Teaching ‘Drop It’ On Live TV To the shelter dog who protected her bones.

The bottom line: Just as you should be able to easily remove your child’s toy or food dish, you should be able to remove whatever your dog is eating.

In nature, it is “survival of the fittest”. If an animal does not protect its food, shelter or offspring, they may be taken from it. So it’s actually quite natural for a dog to defend his food or bones by growling or biting. However, this is unwelcome behavior in our house.

Companion dogs should trust us to remove dangerous objects from their mouths and listen to us when we ask them to leave the furniture. We should be able to easily take away food or toys; just like a child shouldn’t be mad at you for taking his dinner plate away, your dog shouldn’t mind you taking his bowl away.

How Resource Conservation Gets Started

Normally, puppies don’t have resource guards. If they do, you want to address it right away. Most owners generally know to take things from their puppies to test and train them. When they see the puppy just backing away and looking confused, they think they are safe. But if you don’t continue to mess with your dog’s food or chew toys throughout his life, it’s easy for him to develop protective behaviors because it’s in his nature to do so.

Once a dog realizes that growling or snapping will stop people and/or other dogs from taking his prized possession, then it’s all downhill from there! People back off, the dog becomes more confident, and it’s his role and responsibility to protect what’s his.

This cycle needs to be broken as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’re all going to get more and more frustrated until someone gets hurt.

bad experience

Many different experiences and situations can lead to resource conservation. Most dogs rescued from the street have problems securing items. In fact, their survival depends on defending their territory and food.

Not surprisingly, many dogs never learn to trust humans. Also, if a human or other animal does accidentally take a dog’s food or a bone, the dog can learn to react and try to protect those items.

how we are affected

Naturally, we as owners feel intimidated or frustrated with our dogs. We show fear when we try to take a bone away. Or we avoid it when the dog eats. Or we separate our two dogs into different rooms during meals.

This actually helps create stress. It starts a cycle where we expect our dog’s reaction and become almost as sad as he is! It is often difficult to break the cycle without outside help.

how to stop it

When a dog is protecting a resource, usually he is most important in (re)establishing trust between the dog and the owner. Even if the dog is wary of another dog, it’s still related to the owner, who ultimately owns all the property.

Just as it is a parent’s job to teach two children to get along and share, dog owners also need to teach their dogs. We need to let them know that they can trust us and that it’s not actually a bad thing if we need to take something from them. Once the surrounding negative energy is removed, the dog will actually love it when you bring him his bowl, and he won’t wait to drop a bone from her mouth. Two dogs can learn to respect each other’s space, bowls, and toys, so they no longer need to fight over possessions.

If you feel your dog may have resource conservation issues, schedule an appointment with a professional such as dog trainer for further assistance.

Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for professional training. If your dog is a resource protector, make an appointment with a training specialist for one-on-one training with your dog.

Yellow Dog, Sundown and Mocha participated in a segment on DOGTV, the first TV channel entirely dedicated to dogs. check it out!

As you can see, DOGTV helps entertain and stimulate your dog while you’re away. DOGTV is available on DirecTV—or you Let Your Puppy Watch Online!

Most pet parents have made the mistake of raising your dog at one point or another. Whether it’s extra cookies, carry around, dressing them up in cute outfits, or just letting them do whatever they want, we can all treat our furry friends like toddlers. But does that make a good dog bad?

San Francisco dog trainer Beverly Ulbrich is helping us outline the pros and cons of treating your dog like a child.

Signs You’re Guilty About Your Baby

You may not even realize you’re doing it, but there’s a good chance you’ve babysited your dog.

“There are many possibilities,” Ulbrich said. “But often it’s related to owners developing bad behavior, like begging or whining, or getting their dogs to disobey commands.”

Here are some common behaviors in our dogs:

• Giving in to whining or barking for attention or food
• walking an able-bodied dog around or pushing it in a stroller
• Let Your Dog Ignore Commands He Knows
• Not correcting bad behavior such as posturing, resource guarding, and form of aggression– Includes dog-to-dog aggression, food aggression, and human aggression

risk of damage

Giving your dog too much attention or letting him run the show will almost always result in poor performance.

“A dog without firm leadership will lack confidence and direction, and become fearful and then often aggressive,” Ulbrich said. “I’ve seen dogs bully their guardians so much that they are afraid of them. For example, some dogs don’t allow their owners to take away food, brush their hair, or even allow their owners to go to their own beds.”

Spoiling your dog could even endanger his life.

“It could mean dogs are ignoring commands that could save their lives,” Ulbrich said.

Ulbrich suggests imagining your dog as a 4- or 5-year-old child and asking if you would allow the same behavior.

“Would it be okay if you had to ask your kid to go to bed three times and then bribe him with cookies to go to bed,” Ulbrich asked. “Is it okay if your child throws a tantrum when you remove his plate? Can your child demand attention anytime, anywhere by being loud?

A good rule of thumb: If you think your dog’s behavior would be rude or dangerous when it was a child, it’s likely to be rude or dangerous to the dog.

“Be more firm with him, knowing that your most important job is to protect and teach him, not spoil him,” Ulbrich said.

the bottom line

Being a pet parent is fun, but not without responsibilities. If you want a happy and well-adjusted dog, it may be time to put your foot down.

“Just like loving your child includes teaching him safety and boundaries, you need to teach your dog these things too,” Ulbrich says. “Giving your dog too much freedom will only lead to spoiling at the minimum and possibly injury at worst.”

For more insights on how to avoid dogs and get them right, check out these Helpful tips from The Pooch Coach.

*Note: This is not a paid endorsement. All opinions are our own.

Does your dog howl or hide during Fourth of July fireworks? Does he cringe when a thunderstorm hits? Is he afraid of cars, or even having accidents while riding? Can’t he stand when you leave his side and break things in your absence?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, thunder shirt Might work for you.

If you’ve never heard of the ThunderShirt, it’s often compared to swaddling a baby—it applies gentle, comfortable pressure in key areas to soothe your dog’s nerves. It’s a low-cost, non-toxic option for pet owners with anxious dogs or cats.

The company says it works for more than 80 percent of pets based on customer reviews, addressing issues ranging from separation anxiety to people being shy to barking issues. The company even offers a money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work for you.

But will it work for us? We did a test run to see if ThunderShirt would work on the 4th of July.

our test run

We adopted Yellow at five months and he was a timid dog from the start – he was shitting in the car within a minute of leaving the foster home! He never relaxed on rides; he never lay down and slept like Sundown did, but sat and stared at us the entire drive, even on long trips. He’s also sensitive to loud noises — such as fireworks or severe thunderstorms.

ThunderShirt provides extraordinary help. Yellow visibly calmed down within seconds of putting on the shirt. He’s lying in the car now, even nodding.

The ThunderShirt is easy to put on your dog, especially with the handy four-step instructions that come with the shirt.

We followed the advice to serve the food in the ThunderShirt before putting on the Yellow Dog and it really got him interested in this “food distribution” set.

Once the shirt is in place, make sure it fits snugly but not too tight.

“You should be able to get your finger between the T-shirt and your pet,” said ThunderShirt founder Phil Blizzard.

New ThunderShirt users should keep an eye on their pets.

If this is the first time a pet is wearing the shirt, just check in about every hour to make sure everything is in order,” Blizzard said.

We wear this shirt a lot on rides and on the 4th of July. This shirt will last up to eight hours while you work.

“Many of our customers use ThunderShirt for separation anxiety, putting a shirt on their dog before they go to work and taking it off when they get home,” says Blizzard. “That’s perfectly fine, but usually we say don’t leave T-shirts on pets for more than 24 hours.”

Where to find ThunderShirt

ThunderShirt and related products are available through their website but also by local retailers such as pet food express and amazon. We spoke to Pet Food Express employees and they say ThunderShirts work great and they rarely return them.

you can even Customize your ThunderShirt— It’s available in a variety of colors and can be personalized for your dog with embroidery. There’s even a raincoat accessory called ThunderCoat. Basic tees start at $39.99, and prices go up based on add-ons.

other training tools

ThunderWorks also provides a list Key Problems ThunderShirt Can Help Solve on their website, as well as training tips to use in conjunction with the shirt. These questions include:

• Walking Around or Bringing a New Dog Home
• people shy
• cry
• travel anxiety
• separation anxiety
• touch sensitivity

This is a great resource to make sure you are using your ThunderShirt correctly.

Bay Area trainer Beverly Ulbrich Thought it would be a good idea to use these training tools with the ThunderShirt.

“I wouldn’t just rely on ThunderShirt,” Ulbrich said. “Also do training to build confidence, overcome fears or overcome separation anxiety.”

ThunderShirt Gives Back

ThunderShirt estimates that about one-third of dogs in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders. Inevitably, some of these dogs end up in shelters. ThunderWorks has charitably donated thousands of dollars and ThunderShirts to shelters across the country in an effort to eliminate the anxiety many shelter dogs suffer and help those dogs get adopted.

the bottom line

We were very impressed with the ThunderShirt results.But don’t just take our word for it; check out these Video of Dogs ThunderShirt Helped.

For a complete list of the company’s products, Visit the ThunderShirt Store.

If you have a dog that goes crazy when the fireworks go off, we recommend trying ThunderShirt to cure their 4th of July anxieties.

*Note: This is not a paid endorsement. All opinions are our own.

Who can resist that floppy pug face? Or those stubby calves? How about those piercing blue husky eyes?

When choosing a dog for your family, so There is more to consider than appearance. Choosing your dog based solely on appearance can be disastrous – if you choose a dog that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, he could end up in a shelter and your family will be heartbroken. So, before you impulsively pick out your new furry family member, be sure to consider these four main questions.

1. Variety characteristics

Although not static, Breed characteristics are guidelines What behaviors can you expect from your new puppy. You want to make sure your family is able to meet your dog’s exercise and attention needs.

“You should know the main characteristics of the breed, but you should also make sure the dog’s energy level matches yours,” Beverly Ulbrich, California dog trainer and founder of The Pooch Coachexplain.

2. Increase the cost of breed stereotypes

Although you may be looking for a protection dog, remember that your Homeowner’s insurance may increase depending on the breed you choose. What some consider an aggressive breed can cause your prices to skyrocket. These varieties usually include:

• Bulldog
• Bulldog
• Rottweiler
• siberian husky
• german shepherd

Some landlords may ban certain breeds outright or charge additional deposits. If you can prove that your dog is well trained – AKC Good Dog Certificationfor example – you may be able to convince an insurance company or landlord with liability issues Your dog is safe.

3. Possibility of genetic disease

Some breeds are prone to medical problems that may require long-term and expensive medical care later in life.

“The defining characteristics of many breeds are the result of genetic mutations,” Dr. Brandy Vickers explain. “No breed is 100 percent problem-free, but mixed-breed or mutt dogs are less likely to have problems than purebred dogs.”

Common breed-related questions include:

• Breathing Problems in Pit Bulls and Pugs
• Shar Pei skin folds caused by connective tissue defects can lead to eye, ear and skin problems
• Dachshund short legs are the result of defects in the formation of long bones.

Registering your dog for insurance early on can alleviate medical problems so they are not considered pre-existing.

“I think accident and sickness insurance is a good idea,” Dr. Vickers said. “But insurance companies are not created equal.”

make sure you are familiar with Pros and Cons of Insurance and Some Statistics Choose the right insurance for your dog. Ask before registering whether breed-related issues will be covered.

“Some companies will consider breed-related problems to be pre-existing conditions and won’t offer coverage to treat them,” Dr. Vickers said.

Of course, the vast majority of pet parents love their furry friends no matter what, but sadly, some abandon their dogs when they get sick. This can be avoided by choosing breeds that are less prone to genetic diseases.

4. Age is directly proportional to work

The age of your adopted dog can also become an issue.Remember, puppies need a lot of Be aware – usually they can’t control their bladder for more than a few hours and they need training, so you need to spend more time caring for younger dogs or dogs that haven’t been abused. If you’re new to puppy training, or don’t have a lot of free time to care for your puppy, then this might not be the right fit.

“If you’re not an experienced dog owner, then you might want to consider an older dog or one that seems easy to train and handle so you don’t get bogged down,” Ulbrich says. “Of course, taking training will get you up to speed quickly.”

the bottom line

As cute as some breeds are, they might not be right for your family. Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle so you don’t end up sending him back to the shelter out of frustration–this happens more often than you think!

Can your dog respect and obey a toddler? He can – and he should! Everything takes proper training and practice!

If you are interested in teaching your dog how to obey your child and have your child treat your dog properly, please contact our training partners, dog trainer.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram! @ Yellow Dog Blog

Have you ever been to a dog park and seen two dogs fighting? Or heard of a dog viciously attacking another dog “out of nowhere”? In fact, dogs will show many signs of fear or aggression before things escalate into a fight – signs that often go undetected or go unnoticed.

Dogs obviously don’t speak English, but they do have their own communication cues, and it’s your responsibility as a pet parent to learn them. Being consistent with your furry friend’s communication signals will help prevent problems and even save your pet’s life – other Pet your dog may be aggressive.

You probably know the classic cues like bristling your back hair or baring your teeth, but did you know that hiding behind your legs can also be a problem?

“Knowing when your dog is scared, agitated, or even in pain is an important thing to learn,” says behavioral therapist and Professional dog trainer Beverly Ulbrich explain. “You want to teach your dog to relax and be comfortable so they don’t injure themselves or others when they are emotionally or physically unwell.”

The main signals you should watch out for are:

• ending
• hide
• stance or hump
• dog on dog attack
• resource guardian

If you see your dog exhibiting these behaviors, you should address it Instantly— and probably with professional training.

tail curled up and hidden

Tail tucking and hiding are both signs of fear—and fear is no Take it lightly.

“If a dog is tucking its tail and/or hiding behind you, benches, etc. in an attempt to stay away from other dogs, you need to get help from a professional to get him over his fear before he starts becoming aggressive to defend himself” Ug Albrich said.

Ulbrich says Fear often turns into aggression At about 18 months of age, dogs enter adulthood.

“At some point [fear turns to aggression] Because these emotions are closely related to the response — the fight-or-flight syndrome,” Ulbrich said. “As a result, timid dogs often bite because they get emotional. “

Every dog ​​responds differently to training to overcome fear.

“It depends on their age,” Ulbrich said. “Using a nudge or a biscuit makes it easier to push the puppy past it. Teaching and reinforcing curiosity about fear is an important part of raising a puppy. With older dogs, you may need to do some slow-paced fixes, Let them get used to the stimuli that affect them.”

Yellows make great strides in overcoming their fears, but it’s important to stay vigilant so your dog doesn’t repeat the same mistakes.

posing or having sex with other dogs

Posing or hunching over another dog are two signs we see at dog parks that are overlooked or completely ignored countless Second-rate.

Dogs sometimes try to assert dominance over other dogs. They can do this by simply stealing a bone or ball—or, more commonly, by hunched over or doing poses in the park.

Making love is not sex. Many people make the mistake of thinking that a hump dog is in heat and laugh off this very dangerous behavior.

“At best it’s rude, at worst it’s aggressive approaching,” Ulbrich explained. “Dogs that are hunched over will be terrified of the behavior, or more likely to be angry or aggressive. They can easily provoke the accosting dog, which can lead to a fight.”

Posture is when a dog puts his head on the other dog’s neck or back and stands there – or he may hop around a bit. Usually he is stiff, waiting to see how the other dog reacts. If the other dog “bows,” it’s usually fine. However, if another dog challenges it by growling or snapping, it can quickly escalate into a fight.

It is important to be aware of these behaviors not only in other dogs, but also in Your dog, also! It is your responsibility to train your dog that these behaviors are unacceptable so that he does not harm anyone.

“If your dog is posing at other dogs or doing hunches with other dogs, you should stop it on the spot before it escalates into a fight,” Ulbrich says. “If this is a pattern, seek professional help to teach your dog the proper way to interact.”

dog on dog attack

Are you afraid of approaching other dogs on walks because you fear what your dog might do? Avoiding other dogs, not allowing other dogs to smell, growling or snapping at other dogs are all unacceptable behaviors.

“Of course, if your dog only bites once a year, and it’s a nasty puppy, then you have nothing to worry about,” Ulbrich says. “But any pattern of this behavior needs to be addressed before escalation.

Dogs don’t just ‘grow from’. “

Aggression also has different stages. The beginning phase may include:

• stiff body
• bristling of hair on the neck and back
• strange, stiff tail movement

Some more advanced signs of aggression include:

• roar
• roar
• baring teeth
• capture
• bite

“If a dog is young, it could be avoiding — like looking away — or really running away,” Ulbrich added.

Also pay attention to how you feel. Dogs are good at sensing their owners’ emotions, which can influence their behavior, for better or worse. If you’re nervous, your dog will be too — and may even feel the need to protect you.

“If our dog barks or rushes at another dog, we’re naturally embarrassed,” Ulbrich said. “Our stomachs break, we cross the street, we turn around, we walk our dogs late at night when no one else is around. But when we cringe, we’re letting our dogs know something’s wrong. We’re putting our dogs in High alert. Now he feels he has to protect his terrified master and himself.”

you may need Professional Advice How to stay calm and in control when interacting with people and dogs.

resource protection

A dog guarding food or bones This is normal behavior in nature, but domestic pets are not welcome in our homes.

“Companion dogs should trust us to remove dangerous objects from their mouths and listen to us when we ask them to leave the furniture,” Ulbrich said. “We should be able to easily take away food and toys. Just like a child shouldn’t be mad at you for taking his dinner plate away, your dog shouldn’t mind you taking his bowl away.”

But all too often, people don’t respond appropriately to signs of conservation, especially in households with two dogs. For example, if two dogs compete for a bowl, the owner will start feeding them separately. If they fought over the hides, the masters would take the hides away.

“You’re removing barriers, not solving problems,” Ulbrich said.

It is important to address the problem as soon as possible, before it escalates into aggression.

“Once a dog realizes that a growl or a snap can stop people and other dogs from taking her prized possession, it’s downhill from there,” Ulbrich said. “People and other dogs back off, and the dog becomes more assertive, and it’s her role and responsibility to protect what’s hers.”

the bottom line

Problem behaviors don’t just go away — they get worse if left unaddressed. To prevent your dog from starting a fight — or give him the ability to defend himself from another dog’s attack — it’s important to learn his subtle communication cues. The most important thing is not to dismiss these actions as usual.

“Owners don’t always miss the sign, but they don’t think it’s a big deal,” Ulbrich said. “They didn’t think the dog’s behavior made any sense, they didn’t understand how far or how quickly it could escalate.”

*Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for professional advice.please ask for help Qualified, certified dog trainer If you feel your dog exhibits these behaviors.

go through: brandon butlerguest writer

Have your kids been begging for a pet? As a parent, you have to make some big decisions, such as which pet is best for your family and how to help your children be hands-on when raising a new pet.We consulted with the San Francisco-based Certified dog trainer and behaviorist Beverly Ulbrich Tips on how to find the perfect animal companion for your family, and encourage your kids to be part of the training process!

lifestyle factors

Before you embark on bringing your pet home, you need to honestly evaluate your current living situation and how much time you and your child will have to spend with your new furry friend.

“People don’t realize that dogs are closer to babies than humans, and cats or gerbils don’t need as much attention,” Ulbrich said. “Like kids, dogs need enough physical exercise, mental exercise, and know the rules and boundaries. If you don’t tire them out, they’re going to get in trouble.”

Do you have a large suburban house with a large backyard? A dog or rabbit Might be great for your family.you live in a small apartment in a city?consider getting one cat or guinea pig。 All of these pets generally get along well with children, so you have a variety of options to suit your lifestyle.If you decide to get a dog, and Considering what kind of dog to getit must fit your lifestyle and be perfect for your child.

“If you’re a runner, get a dog with higher energy that you can run with,” advises Ulbrich. “If you’re a nerd, don’t have a dog that only needs three hours of exercise.”

major decision

Once you figure out which pets are really a good fit for your family, consider which animals require more responsibility. Older children may be mature enough to help with the training a kitten or puppy needs.

“It depends on your child’s level of interest—you have to know your own kids and their abilities,” Ulbrich said.

If you know your child doesn’t have the time or ability to work with a lively puppy or kitten, an older dog or cat from a shelter may be a better choice. If you have very young children who can’t really help you with pet care, go for low-maintenance ones like fish, hamsters, or lizards.

safety warning

Before you bring your new pet home, you need Anti pet your home and help prepare your children by teaching them some key safety tips for interacting with animals.national advice tell your kids Avoid playing with your pet when they are trying to eat, teasing or irritating your pet may result in scratches or bites.Mealtime Training Is Crucial, Ulbrich Says Well-Trained Dogs Should not react when their food is taken away.

“Here’s a catch 22: You should train your dog to do nothing but get your kids to eat or treat,” Ulbrich explains. “You have to make sure your kids don’t do that to someone else’s dog because that dog might not be trained and hurt them.”

As far as your pet’s safety is concerned, you should make sure your yard is safe, especially if you adopt a dog.examine poisonous plant Keep lawn and garden tools out of reach. It’s also a good idea to install a fence if you don’t already have one.Add wooden fence in San Diego Means almost $2,500It pays to keep your new puppy safe.

“It’s also important to train your dog to be safe on leashes and at dog parks,” says Ulbrich. “It’s very important to train your dog to be friendly and to greet appropriately when on and off the leash so you know Universal Dog Body Language And your own dog’s body language. ”

training and networking

Your kids will be so excited when you bring your pet home, they’ll probably want to spend a lot of time playing with their new friend. What’s the best way to involve your child in pet care responsibilities? It all depends on their age and interests.

“I’ve seen five-year-olds be better at taming dogs than their parents,” Ulbrich said. “Make sure there’s a real interest there. If your kids aren’t interested, they’re not going to be good at it.”

Pupils can often help you when you’re teaching your pet new tricks, and you can have them hand out treats for positive reinforcement.family Education recommend Have an older child take your dog for a walk or clean out the cat’s litter box. Overall, the best way to teach children how to treat pets is to lead by example. If you’re a careful pet owner, your kids will learn by watching your behavior!

“You have to be a top-notch dog trainer and make sure you don’t make mistakes so your kids don’t—make sure you play by the rules,” advises Ulbrich.

the bottom line

Having a pet is a big step for your family. But kids are naturally attracted to animals, and yours might be happier, healthier with a furry friend in their life. By carefully considering which species and breed is right for your family, and encouraging your child to help train and socialize your pet, you can ensure your child and your new pet form a loving bond.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional training or advice.