Taking children to visit a dog

[LimeLeaafLizard]

I'm really hoping for some tips from people experienced with children and dogs on how to have a happy visit to a house with a dog.

Dog is a Labrador, a couple of years old who is generally well socialised and likes people, but is not used to children. He lives with my lovely Aunt who lives alone but often has her adult children staying.

We are going to stay - me, DH, and 4DC aged from 8 years to 6 months. The DC all like dogs - 8 year old is fairly confident - but they are inexperienced.

What do I need to consider? Thanks!

I have a lab who is fairly young, 15 mths. If you came to our house she would be keen to greet you all then would wander off and get on with sleeping, chewing a bone, barking at rabbits etc. I would advise your dc to leave the dog alone and only interact if she/he comes looking for attention. Labs are generally placid easy going dogs.

Also don't let them give the dog food at any time or the dog will follow them around and annoy them constantly.

Have a few ground rules - be gentle, quiet and calm, and the dog will most likely behave in a similar manner after the initial greetings and excitement wear off.

Thanks - all sounds sensible. I think after the initial meeting the DC will also be happy to leave the dog alone.

What about him being territorial? Is he likely to take offence at lots of small people playing in his space?

I would also tell the kids not to go near the dog when he is eating or sleeping. If they want to give him fuss, call him and let him come to them and don't go to him. Fuss should be on the dog's terms.

Our dog has clearly marked spaces which are hers - her crate, a mat in the sitting room and a blanket by the window in the sun room. Find out where the dog likes to lie and get dc to avoid these spaces. Also don't allow them to touch the dogs chew toys as they may be territorial about those items.

Thanks for these useful tips. It is helping me remember things which seem obvious when you say them but which I might not have remembered to tell my DC. I'm sure Aunty's dog has his own special places in the house which can easily be avoided once DC know.