Kids and a New Puppy: 12 Holiday Rules

A child, however keen, cannot be the puppy's main caregiver. Adults must handle feeding, toilet routine, vet visits, training, and supervision. Children can help with age-appropriate jobs, such as filling a water bowl or playing a gentle game, but the responsibility stays with an adult.

That also applies to safety. Children can be knocked over, nipped, or scratched by an excited puppy, and puppies can be hurt by rough handling. Close supervision protects both.

Keep the rules short and clear, and review them with children before the puppy arrives and again before guests come.

1. Always be gentle. Stroke the puppy's chest or back, not the face or tail.
2. Sit on the floor to play, rather than carrying the puppy around.
3. Never pick up the puppy without an adult's help, and never carry them up stairs.
4. Leave the puppy alone when they are sleeping or in their crate.
5. Do not disturb the puppy when eating or chewing.
6. No chasing, grabbing, shouting, or rough games.
7. Do not hug or kiss the puppy's face, which many dogs find uncomfortable.
8. Offer treats only with an adult's permission, from a flat hand.
9. Do not give the puppy food from the table or anything the adults have not approved.
10. If the puppy walks away, let them go.
11. Tell an adult if the puppy seems scared, hurt, or unwell.
12. Wash hands after playing with the puppy and before eating.

Young puppies sleep a large part of the day, and need undisturbed naps to grow and learn. Overtired puppies become grumpy, nippy, and hyperactive, which can lead to difficult interactions with children.

Set up a quiet spot where the puppy can rest without being approached. A crate in a quiet room works well, and children should learn that when the puppy is in it, they leave them alone. Plan short play sessions followed by naps.

Children who can recognize stress signals are safer around dogs. Teach them to notice when a dog is trying to say stop.

• Turning the head away or walking off.
• Yawning, lip licking, and showing the whites of the eyes.
• A stiff body, a tucked tail, or ears pinned back.
• Hiding behind furniture or a person.
• Growling or freezing, which are clear signs to back away.

During the holidays, the puppy will meet many new people and children. Introduce them slowly, in small groups, and not all at once. Keep a quiet room available so the puppy can retreat, and ask guests to follow your rules.

Watch for stress, tiredness, and overexcitement, and give the puppy a break before it becomes too much. Do not force interactions, and do not let visiting children chase or corner the puppy.

Puppies mouth and nip when they play, and children can find this scary or painful. Redirect to a chew toy, reward calm behavior, and avoid games such as wrestling or tug with children. Teach the puppy to sit for attention, and to settle on a mat when the house is busy.

If nipping is a problem, speak to a trainer for guidance. Early training prevents bigger problems later.

Even a happy puppy can become overwhelmed in a busy holiday house. Teach children and adults to watch for signs that the puppy needs a break.

• Yawning, lip licking, or turning the head away.
• Hiding behind furniture or a person.
• Mouthing or biting more than usual, especially when tired.
• Whining or barking at the children.
• Refusing treats or toys.
• Sudden zoomies, followed by a crash.

Plan for the situations most likely to cause trouble.

1. Unwrapping presents: put the puppy in a pen or another room with a chew, so that paper and ribbon are out of reach.
2. Visitors arriving: set a rule that the puppy greets people calmly, on the floor, and children sit and let the puppy come to them.
3. Mealtimes: put the puppy in their crate or pen with a stuffed toy.
4. Quiet time: tell children that when the puppy is in the crate, the door stays closed.
5. Bedtime: an adult handles the puppy's last toilet break and settling.

Children who learn how to behave around a dog become more confident and safer. Practice with a soft toy first, showing how to stroke gently, how to stand still when the puppy is excited, and how to offer a treat on a flat hand. Praise children for kind behavior, and make a simple chart of jobs they can help with. Remind them that the puppy is a baby who needs sleep, food, and kindness. Adults model the behavior, so stay calm and consistent.