How can I allow my toddler to meet a dog?

[NewfieMom]

I think it's really nice that you want to introduce your toddler to a dog. If I was going to introduce my toddler to dogs, I would do it at a dog show. They have puppy classes at dog shows, and your daughter would meet some very well behaved puppies and adult dogs of many different shapes and sizes. Before you take her, I would let her know in simple terms how to behave around a dog.- no pulling hair, no kissing, no hugs - unless they are puppies, and always ask the owner if you can meet their dog. Teach your little girl to scratch an adult dog under the chin or on it's chest, but with puppies, she could pet them on the head, of course - you would be the one to determine an adult dog from a puppy. Alternatively, you might want to go to a dog training class with puppies - you need to ask the instructor first.

I teach bite prevention to children in our school system. One of the things we always stress is to ask the owner if you can meet their dog, and always pet an adult dog under the chin or on the chest - these things are non-threatening to a dog. You don't want to frighten your daughter, I would stick to puppies if you can for her first meeting.

My dogs and generally my breed, LOVE children! I wish she could meet my dogs.