Most people assume that once you buy a puppy their child and puppy will have an automatic friendship.  What's not to love?  Puppies are adorable and kids love to play.  As cute as that puppy may be she probably loves to nip, jump, chase and bark which can be pretty scary for some children.  And from the puppy's view your child might squeeze, poke or yell at the puppy scaring her too.  So what can be done when your child and puppy are both afraid of each other?  It will take some adult help, but follow these three easy steps and help your child and your puppy become besties!    

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Supervise and demonstrate

Children often learn by example.  Be present and involved when your children are interacting with your new puppy as often as you can.  Your children will be watching how you handle the puppy closer than what you say.  Let them play alone too and watch what is going on.  Make sure you remember to praise your children and your puppy when things are going well.  But when the situation gets out of control and the puppy or the child gets frightened then it is time for you to intervene.  Make sure that if the puppy is scaring your child you take immediate action by disciplining the puppy firmly while your child is present.  Show your child some easy ways that she can discipline the puppy when you are not around.  But make sure your child knows when the puppy requires discipline and how not to hurt the puppy.  Overall the adult will be the main disciplinarian, but the child needs to have this ability as well.  The adult should demonstrate the proper way to discipline.  Make sure to show your child the proper and soft way to pet her puppy.  Let her know that it is not okay to pull on the puppy or do other things that would hurt her.  Set rules and boundaries for your child, like not pulling on her leash or pushing the puppy down the stairs or other things that your child might try.  Try to instill in her that her puppy is like a person with feelings and needs to be loved and dealt with kindly.

Make it fun

Kids and puppies love fun and games!  Encourage them to play together every chance you get.  Let your child pick out a dog toy at the store and help her and the puppy play with it.  Remember you will probably need to supervise or be in the vicinity for the first few times while they are playing.  Show your child some other games that you puppy might enjoy.  Chase is a natural one that can be good to wear out your puppy and your child.  Fetch is a bit more complicated for a young puppy, but your child can assist in teaching it.  Tug-of-war is another great natural game that they can play together.  Just make sure to be present or nearby in case a situation arises.  But the more fun they can have together the quicker and easier they can bond.

In addition to games you can also let your child help train her puppy.  This can also be made into a fun game like activity.  Demonstrate for your child the basics of teaching your dog to sit, down, fetch or whatever else you are teaching.  In addition to demonstrating, there are many great children's books available online or at your local library.  This book shows your child what she can teach her puppy and might get her excited about interacting with her puppy in this way.

Give them responsibility

Here's a principle not often thought of but a sure way to create a bond between your puppy and child.  We love the people and animals that we take care of and serve.  This will be true for your child as well.  There are so many positives that come from giving your child puppy responsibilities besides bonding with her puppy.   It will help your child become more responsible, loving, and confident in her abilities.  There are many ways that your child can help take care of her puppy.  She can be in charge of feeding the puppy breakfast, making sure the puppy has fresh water, picking up poop, walking her daily, whatever else might work for you and your child.  But make sure that she knows that she is in charge of her responsibilities and if she doesn't do them they won't get done.  You can assist, praise or reward her in whichever way helps her the most.  But make sure she knows that the puppy needs her and really appreciates it in her own way.  A chore chart can also be helpful if that works for your child.  Overall, giving your child responsibility for her puppy is way that will create a deep and lasting bond.

For additional reading and ideas, we highly recommend this comprehensive book.