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Kids And Dogs HOMEWARD TRAILS RESOURCE LIBRARY: DOGS!

Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!

Always reward both dogs and kids for making good choices around each other.

Positive Dog Solutions info@positivedogsolutions.com 202-630-0249 www.positivedogsolutions.com

Becky, all images on the site should have a caption AND an alt Tag!

Kids and dogs can be wonderful companions. They have that same playful spirit. That said, it is very important we realize that the dog entering our family has not yet developed a relationship with our child. We need to make sure we allow for the relationship to build gradually and make sure dog and kids have lots of pleasant experiences with each other. It is what will create a solid bond over time. The process of building a positive relationship that will last a lifetime consists of three basic categories; supervisions, setting clear boundaries, and fun-time together.

Supervision

Dogs and children should not be left alone together. Children are still learning what appropriate behavior is with both other people and animals. For newly adopted older dogs, we don’t know the past experiences and tolerance level with children. When your child and dog have built a solid relationship and your child is old enough to be trusted to make appropriate decisions in your absence, then you can possibly consider leaving them unsupervised for shorter periods. For now, never leave the house with your child and dog unattended. Even when home, if you cannot actively engage with both child and dog together, plan to confine the dog (perhaps in a crate, xpen, or room separated by a baby gate).

Boundaries

Any child is usually very excited about the prospect of sharing their home with a new furry family member. Humans often show affection through kissing and hugging. For many kids this would be the natural way to respond to a dog. This type of behavior can feel very threatening and uncomfortable for your new dog. Encourage your child to engage with the dog using food and toys. Over time it may be that the dog is receptive to hugs, but it is not a given, it depends on the individual dog you adopted. It is important that you learn to read your dog’s body language, so you know what your dog is comfortable with or not. The website www.doggonesafe.com is a great resource to learn about body language and other ways to keep kids safe around dogs. Here are some other basic rules to keep in mind:

The dog is always left alone in his personal space and/or when sleeping

The dog is always left alone when eating and chewing on bones

The child never takes something away from the dog – only gives

When the dog walks away from an interaction, the child does not follow

Fun Time

Put money in that emotional bank account between dog and child, with emphasis on what the dog likes since it is the safety of your child that is paramount. Depending on the age of the child, he or she can be involved in feeding the dog or giving treats, Kongs, and bones. Go out in the back yard or on walks together. Teach games that are fun and safe for dog and child alike and will teach the dog how you want him to interact with your child. We don’t want the dog and child to get into chase games or wrestling matches. This can teach the dog inappropriate behaviors and set her up for getting into trouble one day; it also puts your child at greater risk to get scared or hurt by accident and sets the child up for learning inappropriate behaviors with dogs. Instead play retrieve games with a ball and trade it for a treat to get it back. Toss food on the ground and say “find it,” toss food toward the dog’s mouth and say “Catch!” Play recall game calling the dog back and forth giving a treat each time the dog comes to person that called. Build an obstacle course. Teach tricks. Enroll the dog in a positive dog training class where your child is welcome to participate and be involved in the process.

More News from the Trail!

  • Come See Us at the Washington Auto Show

    We are thrilled to be joining our friends at Subaru of America, Inc. at the The Washington Auto Show again this year from January 19-28. We had a blast showing off our dogs and puppies the last two year! We love the opportunity to introduce Homeward Trails to lots of new people and see so many old friends and adopters. Come out and meet and adopt some great dogs at the Subaru booth. We are also still in need of volunteers are needed for many shift to help handle dogs and transport dogs to and from the Adoption Center and foster homes. The convention center is metro and bus accessible if you are not transporting dogs. You can enjoy the auto show for free before or after your shift. Volunteers must be 18 years and older. Sign up and come join us! https://www.signupgenius.com/…/20F084EA8AE2DA5F49…

  • Helping Happy Hounds – Fee Waived Hound Adoptions

    As you may or may not know, Virginia animal shelters are filled with Hounds. These amazing dogs are most often discarded by callous hunters, found starving wandering the countryside. Many never make it as hunters and are then tied up to chains or left along the side of the road like old furniture. A good number of them do not make it out of shelters alive.But these dogs – like all dogs – are amazing and worthy of families. We just cannot get them families fast enough to stop them from dying in our shelters when there is no more space.And so we are trying something new here. ALL HOUND DOGS ADOPTED FROM HOMEWARD TRAILS WILL BE FREE. Yes, we are WAIVING ADOPTION FEES for Hounds for the foreseeable future.We hope that will entice well-matched applicants to consider a Hound now. Use the money you save on training, treats, toys.We think all dogs are worthy. But the reality is that some take extra incentives. Some have more barriers to getting adopted. And the result is well, more end up dying. And no – this does NOT mean we are just giving dogs away. All applicants will still go through our application/screening process to ensure good homes. This is just us trying to save more dogs by eliminating one more barrier to adoption. And hey, Hound lovers can use all the extra money they can get to buy treats, right?Help us help these Hounds. Our program Helping Happy Hounds is live NOW. Let’s save some lives!

  • Our Current Supply Needs – Can You Help?

    Each year Homeward Trail spends thousands and thousands of dollars on supplies to care for our animals and support the general operations of our organization. We always strive to keep our costs as low as possible so that we can spend every extra dollar saving more lives.  One simple way you can help is by donating these supplies – everything from postage stamps, to cleaning supplies, to ink cartridges and paper, to dog and cat food and litter. Our wish lists are updated regularly so you can always find our most current needs. Please consider donating supplies to help us cover the cost of these items. The more we are able to get donated, the more animals we can help. Thank you! Adoption Center Wishlist Meow Palace Wishlist Dog Enrichment Wishlist Trails Home Farm Wishlist Farmhouse Wishlist Trails UP Wishlist  Puerto Rico Wishlist

More News from the Trail!

  • Come See Us at the Washington Auto Show

    We are thrilled to be joining our friends at Subaru of America, Inc. at the The Washington Auto Show again this year from January 19-28. We had a blast showing off our dogs and puppies the last two year! We love the opportunity to introduce Homeward Trails to lots of new people and see so many old friends and adopters. Come out and meet and adopt some great dogs at the Subaru booth. We are also still in need of volunteers are needed for many shift to help handle dogs and transport dogs to and from the Adoption Center and foster homes. The convention center is metro and bus accessible if you are not transporting dogs. You can enjoy the auto show for free before or after your shift. Volunteers must be 18 years and older. Sign up and come join us! https://www.signupgenius.com/…/20F084EA8AE2DA5F49…