Preparation is essential

A puppy and child relationship is beautiful and special. We love to see a bulldog who grows up with a close bond to their families.

However, if a bulldog has a bad experience with children, it may cause them to be wary of children in the future. It’s especially likely if it happens when they are young, or if it is the only experience they have had with children.

That’s why, if you have children, you should prepare and make sure that your puppy can have the best experience in your home.

Getting ready

Creating a bond between bulldog and child comes in stages The first stage is preparation. No one should bring a puppy into their home unless they’ve done the work to make sure their home is ready.

First, make sure everyone in your home knows how to take care of your puppy. We recommend getting a book to help you learn how dog training should work. Our favorite book is “Imagine life with a well behaved dog” by Julie Bjelland.

Discuss the rules surrounding the puppy with your children. Your children should know how to pick up, or play with a puppy, that the crate is a safe space, and who feeds the puppy.

If your children are old enough, they can even take on some of the care for your new bulldog. Younger children can be put in charge of play and exercise. Older children can be assigned 

feeding, bathing, walking or taking the puppy potty.

First meeting

The day has arrived, and it’s finally time to bring your puppy home!

We understand that everyone will be excited, but it’s important not to overwhelm the puppy. Introductions between a child and a bulldog should be supervised and structured.

Before they meet the puppy, remind your children to stay as calm and gentle as they can. They don’t want to scare the puppy. We recommend having an adult hold your new bulldog while children gently pet it. That allows your puppy to warm up to your children without getting startled.

At home

Once you’ve brought your puppy home, you need to make sure the rules stay in place. Don’t allow the puppy to bite the children, even if it’s a gentle bite. Don’t allow the children to hit or roughhouse with the puppy.

If your child or your puppy is having trouble being gentle, make sure their interactions are supervised until they both know how to treat each other.

We believe that growing up with a puppy can be a great experience for a child. If you train your English Bulldog well and foster a good relationship between it and your children, your dog will become a valuable addition to your family.