Working with Families Who Have Dogs

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By Brittany Cotton

Becoming a nanny to a new family is an exciting and rewarding experience, but a family pet like a dog can sometimes pose a challenge. Even if you’re a dog lover, getting to know a family’s dog might not go as smoothly as you think.

Whether you’re becoming a nanny for a family with a dog or the family you work for is planning on getting a dog, here are a few tips to make the experience positive and safe.

Meeting a Family’s Dog for the First Time

Maybe you’re interviewing for a nanny position, or a family just hired you. Even though you will be a primary caregiver in the household, the family dog may already be the kids' well-established watcher. Not all, but many dogs are protective of the children in their homes.

This behavior doesn’t necessarily mean that they are vicious or difficult to deal with. In most cases, the protective bond with children is innate. While there are some more protective breeds than others (think the Pitbull: Nanny Dog), many dogs will protect any member of their family if they sense a threat.

When meeting the family dog for the first time, here are a few tips to keep in mind to reduce the chance of a minor nip or a serious dog bite:

●     Ask the owner before you pet. Most owners will tell you whether or not it’s safe to approach the dog but always ask.

●     Consider neutral body language and staying calm.

●     Avoid leaning over right away to pet the dog, as this may be seen as a threat.

●     Some dogs may misread a smile. Again, neutral is best until the dog is comfortable.

●     Let the dog sniff you and always pet the body rather than underneath the chin.

It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and even if the dog’s owner says that their dog is friendly, it’s always a good idea to approach a dog calmly yet cautiously. If the dog feels comfortable with you, they’re likely to warm up to you quickly.

Tips to Consider When the Family Gets a Dog

If the family you work with decides to adopt a dog, it’s an exciting time for everyone but is likely to mean a few more responsibilities for you. If you will be taking over pet care responsibilities please make sure this is included in your nanny/family agreement. As someone responsible for the safety and well-being of the children in the household, you must consider the following to help prevent injuries related to a dog bite.

●     Enforce and follow rules about caring for and interacting with the dog.

●     Reinforce good behavior and avoid rewarding roughhousing and other potentially dangerous behavior.

●     Be extra vigilant during play dates, walks with the dog and kids, or even trips to the dog park.

●     If the dog is adopted, try to learn as much as you can about the dog’s history and behaviors.

●     Encourage children to be responsible and loving to the dog.

As a nanny, all of your roles and responsibilities must be clear, even those that require interacting with and caring for the family dog. If any issues arise or if you feel like there are inconsistencies in caring for the dog, don’t hesitate to voice your concerns to keep you and the children safe.

This post in a sponsored post.

Nanny Magazine