How To Train Your Kids For Dog Friendly Areas

Dog friendly areas may not always be what you expect them to be during the holidays. Many people may bring the entire family to the dog park, which will result in screaming children running around playing with their own dog. Unfortunately, this means that said excited children may try to play with your dog as well. When dealing with untrained children, you may need to provide lessons on how to behave around strange animals before the children lean the hard way.

Try to socialize your pet with children before you take your pet along for the holidays. Make sure that your pet understands what a child is and that there is no reason to be scared of them. Most dogs are used to fully grown adults, and have no idea what to do with this tiny, squealing stranger that is bouncing toward them is going to do. When there are children around, keep a closer eye on your pet than normal. If you pet becomes agitated by the child's presence, leash and remove them quickly.

Keep an eye out for any children that may be breaking the common no toys in the dog friendly areas rule. Many dogs don't care what the ball being thrown around looks like, they just know that it is an invitation to play. Untrained children may continue playing in the dog areas, which could cause your dog to become confused and feel she is being teased when the children won't give the ball to them. Always watch for this situation, and be ready to call your dog back if she starts to confuse a child's toy with her own.

If children are running wild in the area, and seem to come up uninvited to see your dog, feel free to warn them away. If your dog becomes uncomfortable with the child's presence, call out and tell the child not to come any closer and to return to their parents. If you need to, call for parental assistance to remove the insistent child.

Should you discover that the dog friendly areas are swarming with too many children for your dog to find any peace, consider finding somewhere else to take your pet to. Many mobile apps exist that can help you find a different park to let your dog relax in. Keeping your dog comfortable and enjoying themselves is every bit as important as your own comfort during the holidays. Take the extra steps to give them a child-free area to play in.

Need more advice on how to cope in dog friendly areas when kids are around? Hit up http://takeyourpet.com.au -- your one-stop-shop for pet-friendly tips and accommodation. Subscribe to the newsletter for a free pet travel report and the chance to win a FREE pet-friendly holiday!