Owning a pet dog can reduce childhood anxiety. This fact highlights the incredible benefits of dogs for children’s mental health, including reduced stress and increased social skills.1
However, to ensure these interactions are positive and safe, training your dog specific skills is essential. Here’s what to teach your dog and how to effectively manage their interactions with children.
1. Sit & Stay
Teaching your dog to sit and stay is fundamental for managing their behavior around children. This command helps establish control and prevents overexcited jumping or running, which can accidentally hurt kids.
- Start by training your dog to sit on command using treats and positive reinforcement.
- Once they master sitting, gradually introduce the stay command by having them hold the sitting position for increasing lengths of time.
- Practice in various environments to solidify the behavior, ensuring your dog remains calm and composed around children.
- Incorporate distractions such as toys or other pets during training sessions to simulate real-life scenarios.
- Reward your dog for maintaining the sit and stay position even when tempted.
2. Gentle Mouth
A gentle mouth is crucial, especially if your dog enjoys playing with toys or playing fetch games with children. Teaching this skill ensures that your dog uses a soft bite, reducing the risk of accidental nips.
- Begin by playing tug-of-war or fetch with a toy, encouraging your dog to take the toy gently.
- If they bite too hard, stop the game and give a firm “no” command.
- Resume playing once they understand the need for a gentle grip.
- For puppies, teaching bite inhibition from an early age is vital.
- Encourage gentle play and provide chew toys to redirect their biting instincts.
3. Leave It
The “leave it” command is essential for preventing dogs from grabbing or chewing on inappropriate items, such as children’s toys or food. This skill ensures that your dog respects boundaries and avoids potentially dangerous objects.
- Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it.
- When they try to take it, close your hand and say “leave it.”
- Once they back off, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
- Repeat this process until they understand that “leave it” means they should ignore the item.
- Practice with various objects, gradually increasing the difficulty.
4. Calm Greetings
Excited greetings can be overwhelming for children, especially if your dog tends to jump or bark excessively. Teaching calm greetings ensures that interactions start on a positive note.
- Train your dog to greet people calmly by having them sit and wait before they are allowed to approach.
- Reward them for staying calm with treats and praise.
- If your dog becomes too excited, redirect their attention and try again once they settle down.
- Practice this behavior with various visitors, including children.
- Teach kids to approach your dog calmly, avoiding loud noises or sudden movements.
5. Go to Bed/Place
Training your dog to go to a specific spot or bed on command provides a safe space for them to retreat when they need a break. This skill is particularly useful during chaotic moments or when children are playing energetically.
- Create a comfortable bed or designated area for your dog.
- Use the “go to bed” or “place” command and guide them to the spot with a treat.
- Once they lie down, reward them and encourage them to stay.
- Gradually increase the duration they spend in their designated spot.
- Teach children to respect the dog’s space, fostering a mutual understanding and respect.
Managing Dog-Kid Interactions
Now that your dog has mastered these essential skills, managing their interactions with children is the next step. Here’s a guide to keep things safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
1. Supervision is Key
Never leave dogs and young children unsupervised. Even the most well-behaved dog can react unpredictably in certain situations. Close supervision ensures you can intervene if necessary and reinforces positive interactions.
2. Teach Kids How to Interact
Educate children on how to approach and interact with dogs. Teach them to avoid pulling tails, ears, or fur and to refrain from startling the dog. Encourage gentle petting and respect for the dog’s personal space.
3. Recognize Stress Signals
Understanding your dog’s body language is crucial. Signs of stress or discomfort, such as lip licking, yawning, or avoiding eye contact, indicate that your dog needs a break. Remove them from the situation to prevent potential conflicts.
4. Create Positive Associations
Use positive reinforcement to create enjoyable experiences for both your dog and children. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise. Encourage children to participate in training sessions, making it a fun and educational activity for both.
5. Establish Boundaries
Set clear boundaries for both your dog and children. Designate dog-free zones in your home and ensure that your dog has a safe space to retreat to. Teach children to respect these boundaries, promoting a harmonious living environment.
6. Encourage Gentle Play
Supervise playtime between your dog and children, ensuring it remains gentle and controlled. Provide appropriate toys and discourage rough play. Teaching games like fetch or hide-and-seek can be enjoyable and safe for both.
7. Regular Training & Socialization
Ongoing training and socialization are essential for maintaining positive behavior. Regularly expose your dog to different environments, people, and situations. Reinforce commands and skills to keep them sharp and reliable.
8. Professional Help
If you’re experiencing challenges with your dog’s behavior around children, seek professional help. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can provide personalized guidance and training techniques to address specific issues.
Creating a safe and happy environment for your dog and children requires effort, patience, and dedication. By teaching your dog essential skills and managing interactions thoughtfully, you can foster a loving and respectful relationship between your furry friend and the little ones.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.