Welcome to the Pack: A Kid’s Guide to a New Pet

What Not to Do:

🚫 No Hugs or Squeezing! Hugs are great, but dogs might feel trapped. Try a gentle pet instead, or blow a “hand kiss” (kiss your hand and touch their fur softly).

🚫 No Teasing! Dogs don’t get jokes like we do. No pulling tails or scary noises!

🚫 No Chasing or Yelling! Running and yelling can make dogs nervous. Walk calmly and talk softly.

🚫 No Roughhousing! No riding or wrestling. It can hurt them, even if they seem okay.

🚫 Don’t Bug Sleeping or Eating Dogs! Even the sweetest dog might get grumpy if you wake them up or bother them while they eat.

Signs a Dog Needs Space: If your dog does these things, they need a break:

🐾  Yawning (even when they’re not sleepy)

🐾  Licking their lips Turning their head away

🐾  Shaking like they’re wet Fast breathing Stiff body

A Crate = Doggy Hideout A crate is like your dog’s bedroom. It’s their safe place!

🚫 Don’t climb inside

🚫 Don’t open it without grown-up help

🚫 Don’t bother them when they’re inside

Being best friends with your new dog is easy! Just remember to be gentle, give treats when they’re calm, and always have a grown-up watch when you play together. If you’re patient and kind, you and your furry friend will have a tail-wagging, happy life together!