Kid Introductions

BEFORE BRINGING HOME THE FOSTER

Prior to bringing a new foster into the home, it is very important to have all family members prepared and onboard for this new adventure. Parents should take time to explain to children the DOs and DO NOTs for interacting with the foster. Important information to review with children:

1. Remain calm and quiet with the new foster. Using an inside voice and walking slowly makes a new foster feel safer. TEACH KIDS HOW TO PROPERLY APPROACH!

2. Leave animals alone when they are eating. When kids eat, have them sit up high so the foster cannot be tempted to reach it.

3. If the foster is in their quiet spot, leave them alone. (Please be sure your children know NOT to go into kennels)

4. Animal toys can look a lot like kid toys so it is important to keep all personal toys picked up or the foster might think it is theirs.

5. Fosters need time to learn manners and rules, so be prepared for them to jump, be mouthy, or try to take food/toys.

6. Fosters like to keep all four feet on floor and some do not like to be hugged. TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO GIVE TE PET SPACE UNTIL THEY ARE READY FOR PETS!

THE DAY YOU BRING YOUR FOSTER HOME

1. Remind everyone in the home that "TODAY IS THE DAY!" and review appropriate ways to interact with a new foster.

2. Encourage children to remain calm and still as the new foster smells them for the first time. Remind them of the no touch, no talk, no stare rule when the pet is first approaching and meeting them for the first time.

3. All children can assist with introducing the pet to the home. This can include activities such as: putting out fresh water/litter, closing room doors that the animal should not be entering, walking the dog on a leash in the backyard, or even providing treats to the foster for calmly approaching the children.

4. Please remember to continue supervising interactions between children and foster for the first few days/weeks as you and the foster are learning about co-living!

DAILY LIVING WITH YOUR FOSTER

All children can have an active role in the daily care and training of your foster. Children can assist with preparing meals, brushing, and training (responding to names, learning to sit, learning to wait for treats, etc.) And the best part... children can help provide enrichment for your foster through PLAYTIME. It is important to continue to monitor ongoing interactions with fosters and children. It is also extremely valuable to capture some interactions between children and fosters in high quality photos or videos for the pet's profile or even for GPG social media marketing of your foster. Share the cuteness!

BASIC 101 OF CHILDREN AND FOSTER PETS

1. Children are short. This means if a dog does bite, it will likely be higher up on a child than an dog (such as the face). PLEASE NEVER LEAVE A DOG AND CHILD UNATTENDED!

2. Monitor an introduction of EACH new child to the new foster.

3. If your foster is showing signs of discomfort on an ongoing basis with your child or particularly if they are avoiding them, or showing any signs of resource guarding, PLEASE do not ignore this, contact the foster team ASAP.

4. Conduct proper introductions: Ask child not to make direct eye contact with the dog. Allow dog to approach child with a loose leash when he/she is in a non-threatening position (with back or side facing dog). Child should have hands in pockets or in fists at his/her side. Do not allow the child to being petting the dog if the dog comes up to sniff; allow the dog to simply be curious about the child.

5. Do not allow the child to hug the dog or cat. Most dogs/cats do NOT like hugs or being picked up. Fosters may learn to tolerate them, but rarely like them.

6. Ensure the pet's body language does not appear stiff or uncomfortable. If this happens, remove the animal from the situation and try again at a later time.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR CHILD-DOG INTERACTIONS

• Ask child not to pet the dog on the head; always have them pet the side or back of the dog's body.

• Only have the child give affection to a calm dog once acquainted.

• Do not allow your child to be holding food while introducing them to one another.

• Make sure children are cautious when opening doors - a dog can easily escape.

• Tell your child not to grab toys, bones or food out of a dog's mouth.

• Do not allow your child to run around and let a dog chase him/her; this is just promoting unwanted behaviors.

Safety of children is first and foremost in all interactions. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the GPG Training team for further tips and guidance. If you have any immediate needs, concerns, or if any parties are uncomfortable (foster pets, resident pets, children, or other family members), please reach out to either the foster team to assist with determining if the foster is truly the best match for your home needs.

For additional information and resources, check out ASPCA's article on "Teaching Your Dog How to Behave Around Children"