When families imagine life with a dog, they often picture cuddles, companionship, and instant friendship with the kids. Tiffany Copley, founder of Central Ohio Muttessori School in Worthington, says reality is often more complicated—and far more rewarding when approached intentionally.
In fact, many behavior challenges families experience with pets begin with unrealistic expectations. "We have two parties with very little impulse control," says Copley. "A young child and a young puppy are both still learning how to navigate the world." Rather than focusing on instant friendship, Tiffany encourages families to focus first on boundaries, communication, and age-appropriate interactions. The result is often a stronger bond, fewer frustrations, and a safer environment for everyone involved.
For families welcoming a new puppy or dog, Tiffany believes success comes down to four key areas: teaching children how to interact appropriately, facilitating good behavior, involving kids in training, and creating positive ways for children and pets to learn to interact together.
When choosing a dog, don’t choose a puppy based on how cute they are. Tiffany recommends working with a reputable breeder or rescue organization that can help match a dog's temperament to your family's lifestyle and the ages of your children. The breeder has lived with the puppies for at least 8 weeks and knows each of those puppies' personalities. Those early decisions can make a significant difference in long-term success.
One of the biggest mistakes families make is expecting young children to naturally know how to interact with dogs. For children younger than preschool age, Tiffany often recommends a surprisingly simple approach: coexist, but largely ignore one another.
"If the child gravitates toward the puppy, redirect the child. If the puppy gravitates toward the child, redirect the puppy," she says.
While that advice may seem counterintuitive, it helps prevent fear, overstimulation, and bad habits from developing. Young children are still learning self-control and may not understand gentle touch, personal space, or canine body language.
As children get older, interactions can become more intentional. Tiffany encourages families to establish clear boundaries. Children should never be allowed to do something to a dog that would be unacceptable toward another child, including pulling ears, climbing on dogs, bothering them while sleeping, entering crates, or interrupting them while eating.
For elementary-aged children, Tiffany teaches a simple "one, two, three" petting method. Children pet the dog three times and then pause. If the dog seeks more interaction, they may continue. If the dog walks away, the interaction ends.
Facilitating good behavior also means setting both kids and dogs up for success. Gates, leashes, crates, and designated safe spaces help prevent overstimulation for both kids and pets. During high-energy moments, Tiffany recommends management before correction. "It's not fair to expect a four-year-old to respond to a jumping, biting puppy the same way an adult would," she says.
One of her biggest recommendations is involving children in the process. "Learning happens regardless," Tiffany explains. "Even when you're not intentionally training, you're training." Children as young as four can participate in simple training exercises such as sit, down, and come, while younger children can help prepare meals, hand food to the dog, or assist with daily care routines.
Training creates opportunities for meaningful interaction. Instead of wrestling, chasing, or roughhousing—which often leads to jumping, mouthing, and overstimulation—Tiffany encourages structured activities that promote communication. Recall games, stationary cues, and tricks are among her favorites. "Kids love tricks," she says. "They're fun, and they help improve communication with your dog."
Tiffany's approach isn't about perfection. It's about helping families develop realistic expectations, stronger communication, and positive habits that allow children and pets to grow together successfully. For Northwest Columbus families considering a dog, welcoming a new furry family member, or struggling with behavior issues, having an experienced resource like Tiffany Copley nearby may be one of the best investments they can make in family harmony.
"The best relationships happen when children and dogs learn together, communicate clearly, and develop positive habits from day one."