Anyone who has a dog and a baby knows at some point the baby actually realizes how fun your family pet can be.
Chloé has always known Riley has existed, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago that she became obsessed with him. She’s 17-months old now, so she’s on the move, gibbering and walking up a storm. Chloé has had a lot of time to adjust to Riley because in our house, wherever I go, Riley follows. And now that Chloé is here, she’s in toe too.
Since she could walk, I’ve been teaching her how to give Riley his biscuits. How she should leave him alone while he eats, and how to play ball. The funny part is, now she wants to give him her cookies, and he wants to play with her toys and vice-versa. To both of them, everything is fair game.
I’m not a nervous mom, so I don’t mind them playing with each others stuff, but I’m struggling with teaching them how to play together and how to know which toy or treat is theirs. My guess is, it will come with time.
I recently came across this article from the ASPCA about games parents can play with their kids and dogs, and there are a lot of good ideas. Some of them I’m already doing, so it’s nice to see that I’m on the right track!
Kids 6 Months To 2 Years Old:
Your child can lie on the floor and your dog or cat can jump over him.
You and your child can hide and then call your pet to come find you.
Young children love peek-a-boo games. Try holding up a cloth so that your pet is concealed. Let your child pull the cloth aside, making your pet “appear.”
If your pet is gentle, your child can smear his own fingers and toes with peanut butter or a soft cheese product and let your pet lick them clean. (Try this with your fingers first. If your pet’s nibbling is too rough, choose another activity.)
Children in a high chair, crib or playpen can drop food for your pet to enjoy, but please avoid using animal treats because your child might eat them. It is also ESSENTIAL to avoid using foods that are dangerous to pets. Stick to healthy people foods such as green beans, carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), unsalted pretzels and plain, cooked pasta.
Source: www.aspca.org
