Managing Dogs and Children: 5 Tips During Stay at Home Restrictions

The past years of coronavirus stay at home restrictions have presented unique challenges for families balancing the needs of children and dogs alike. Whether you're wondering about how to buy a dog responsibly, seeking the best dog breeds for families, or need guidance on how to train a puppy during lockdown, this article offers a comprehensive, warm, and knowledgeable guide. Below are five actionable tips and ideas to help you create a harmonious and joyful home environment during times when external activities may be limited.

1. Finding the Right Puppy: How to Buy a Dog Responsibly

When considering adding a dog to your family, especially during times of restricted movement, it's crucial to research thoroughly. The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service is a trusted resource that connects potential owners with responsible breeders who prioritise the health and wellbeing of puppies and their litters.

• Use reputable websites such as Kennel Club Find a Puppy and Pets4Homes to view profiles of breeders who adhere to ethical practices.
• Avoid impulse decisions; consider your family lifestyle, the space you have, and the time available to care for a dog.
• Reach out to breeders directly to ask about health checks, socialisation practices, and support they provide to new owners.

This due diligence ensures your new companion is a good fit and supports the highest standards of responsible dog ownership.

2. Choosing the Best Dog Breeds for Families

Some breeds generally adapt well to family life, especially with children, due to their temperament and energy levels. When selecting a breed, consider:

• Temperament: Look for breeds known for patience and gentleness with children, like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or Cocker Spaniels.
• Energy levels: Families with active children might appreciate lively breeds, whereas quieter breeds suit calmer homes.
• Size: Smaller breeds may be easier to manage indoors, but larger breeds often enjoy outdoor playtime and exercise that children can share.
• Always consult breed-specific advice on sites like the Kennel Club or Pets4Homes to understand the needs and challenges of each breed before making your choice.

3. Training Your Puppy During Stay at Home Periods

Lockdown can be the perfect time to build a strong foundation of training with your puppy, using the extra time for consistent routines. Here are some key tips for how to train a puppy effectively:

• Establish clear boundaries and a daily training schedule that includes basic commands such as sit, stay, and come.
• Use positive reinforcement methods—praise and treats—to encourage good behaviours.
• Involve your children under supervision in training sessions to foster bonding and teach the dog gentle interaction skills.
• Practise socialisation within the limits of restrictions, like safe interaction with household members or controlled exposure to new sounds and environments.

Patience and consistency will pay off, creating a well-mannered family companion.

4. Managing Dogs and Children in a Shared Home Environment

Balancing the needs of young children and dogs during stay at home directives can be tricky but rewarding with the right approach:

• Create distinct spaces for your dog and your children to retreat to when they need rest or quiet time.
• Schedule regular playtimes that include both dog and children, promoting healthy interaction and exercise.
• Educate children on respectful behaviour with dogs, emphasising gentle touch and recognising when the dog needs space.
• Watch for signs of stress or overstimulation in your dog, and intervene promptly to prevent unwelcome behaviours.

This thoughtful management improves wellbeing and safety for all household members.

5. Embracing Responsible Dog Ownership in Challenging Times

Stay at home restrictions require responsibility to care not just for your own pet but to support community health:

• Keep up with veterinary appointments, vaccination, and parasite prevention schedules, even during restrictions. Many vets offer telemedicine or controlled appointments following health guidelines.
• Regular walking for exercise is important; follow local guidelines concerning times and places for dog walking.
• Maintain hygiene clean-up routines and mindful interactions to reduce risks for your household.
• Stay informed on evolving public health advice and adapt routines as necessary to keep both your family and pet safe.

Reliable sites such as Pets4Homes provide ongoing advice and community support for responsible pet ownership.

In summary, managing dogs and children under stay at home restrictions involves planning, education, and kindness. Using trusted resources to responsibly buy a dog, selecting a breed suited to family life, dedicating time to training, balancing interaction, and maintaining health standards can enable a happy life with your beloved pets and children during any stay at home period or similar restrictions.

If considering adding a new puppy to your household or improving your dog's training routine, visit the Kennel Club Find a Puppy and Pets4Homes websites for expert guidance and listings of reputable breeders. This will support you in nurturing well-adjusted dogs that fit seamlessly into your family life.