How do I introduce my new puppy to my children?

Start teaching your children the do’s and don’ts of puppy handling well before you bring a new puppy home. Holding a stuffed animal, show them how to let the puppy sniff their hand, how to pet it gently without pinching or pulling, and how to sit down and hold it in their laps.

To help your kids understand that a puppy is a living thing and not a toy, set a few important ground rules - let sleeping puppies lie, for instance. Don’t stick your hands in a dog’s food bowl, and never pick a puppy up and carry it around.

By the time they meet the new puppy, your kids will know what to do. They’ll be excited, but calm… eager to play, but empowered with information. Just make sure to supervise!

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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