How To Take Your Pet Safely To Your Daily School Pick-Up

By Lucy Punch

As the weather warms up may decided to pick up the kids from school in the afternoon and then head off to the beach or park to let the kids, as well as your pet, enjoy a well-deserved run around. However, before you take your pet to places that are usually crowded with other people, you need to train your dog to be calm and comfortable around hordes of children and the excitement involved with the ending of a school day.

We can not stress enough the fact that just because your dog is playful and comfortable around your children at home it doesn't necessarily mean they will be as calm and friendly when strangers are around. Your children are familiar and special; they are a member of your dog's pack. Your dog considers your kids as their pack mates and treats them as such. However, unknown and excitable kids can be very unpleasant and confronting for your pet.

When you take your dog to events where there will be lots of children, such as school pick-ups, carnivals or sports days, you need to be acutely aware of your dog's reaction to the mass of screaming, laughing children running around excitedly. If you observe that your dog begins to seem anxious amidst all the excitement, starts hinding behind you or begins growling at children and other passers-by, be ready to immediately make a hasty retreat to avoid trouble.

It is essential that you always keep your dog on a leash in such crowded places. You can expect that areas that are commonly filled with children may not be as pet-friendly as you think they ought to be. Some children are frightened of dogs - especially big ones - and may start running, screaming or crying when they see you with Fido. If such a situation arises, move away to a distance and encourage the child to keep moving.

Before you start taking your dog with you to different places, it is essential to make sure that your pet is already trained to not jump on anyone he meets. Not only may jumping scare some children, especially small ones, bigger dogs can actually push kids down by accident. If children want to pet your dog, tell them to do so cautiously and gauge your dog's reaction. If your dog seems unhappy or uncomfortable, send the child away to prevent disasters. Always take your pet back to the vehicle as soon as you've claimed your children, and continue on to your pet-friendly family plans.

To find plenty more useful advice on handling your beloved dog in a pets allowedenvironment, check out  Take Your Pet - your complete online resource of pet-friendly advice on the road.