Kids and Dog Training: 10 Simple Rules

The following guide for kids and dog training will teach your kids and your dog how to behave around each other. Here are 10 simple rules to teach them about dogs…

1. Always treat dogs kindly. Never allow pulling the dog's tail, ears, or other parts of his body. Kids should never be allowed to tease, pick up, sit on, or hit the dog. Remember that children learn from adult behavior. So always treat your dog as you want your children to treat him.
2. Be calm around dogs. Children tend to get excited around dogs, approach them too quickly, talk loudly, and even hug them suddenly. This kind of behavior increases their risk of being bit.
3. Ensure the early interactions between your kids and new dog is positive. Encourage your child to pet your dog, brush his coat, give simple commands, and reward him with treats.
4. At times, your dog needs some quiet time and should be left alone. Designate a place for your dog to go that is off limits to your children. This may be his crate or sleeping area.
5. Limit your new dog's interaction with children to your own. He will have plenty of time to meet the neighborhood kids after he gets accustomed your own children
6. Before petting someone else's dog, ask permission. They should ask you (the adult), the dog's owner, and then the dog. Asking the dog's permission means to approach the dog slowly and calmly. Speak softly to the dog. Don't make direct eye contact. Let the dog sniff your hand first. Then pet his side or back gently. Don't try to pet the dog's head because some dogs are head shy.
7. Never sneak up on or pet a dog that is eating. Many dogs are possessive of their food. The dog may growl or bite anyone they think is trying to take it away.
8. Never pet a dog behind a fence. Most dogs naturally want to protect their home.
9. Never pet a dog who is in a car. A dog may feel stressed being in a confined space with no escape. A strange approaching hand may feel threatening.
10. Make your child aware of dog body language. Avoid dogs who look angry or scared. An angry dog will have erect ears, fur standing up, eyes staring, teeth exposed, and growling. An scared dog will be shriveled close to the ground with the tail held low between the legs. Scared dogs are just as likely to bite as angry dogs.

Kids and dog training is important because everyone in the household should be involved. This ensures consistent commands from each family member.

The initial introduction between your children and the dog must be supervised. Small children should never be left alone with dogs.

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