The debunking of dominance theory in dog behavior and training has largely changed the role of owners in how they choose families to interact with their dogs. This also applies to children, so we have put together six tips to help children and dogs co-habitate, peacefully and safely.
6 Ways Children Can Help Train The Family Dog
Choose Your Breed Wisely
While all dogs have the capacity to behave aggressively, we can’t deny that there are certain breeds that are better suited to family life than others. Some dogs have been bred specifically for their sociability and trainability; some for their intelligence and personality, and some for their working capabilities.
If you want a friendly, happy-go-lucky dog, you may consider a Labrador Retriever. If you are an experienced dog owner and have children who understand the needs of large breeds, you may consider a German Shepherd or Boxer. If you have a smaller home or apartment, a Wheaten Terrier or Beagle may be the perfect friend.
Introduce Dogs and Children The Right Way
Whether you choose to buy a puppy or rescue from a shelter, the introduction to children is possibly the most important interaction. If you have a rescue, you may have already been told if your pooch is used to being around children or not.
Either way, the first introduction should be totally calm. Encourage your child to ignore the dog. Allow the dog to explore and sniff; he should be the one to choose to go to the child. If he does, your child can throw a treat on the floor.
If you have a confident dog, he may go straight to the child – praise and reward. Through the positive association, Fido will learn that actually, the kid is alright.
Children Need To Take The Higher Ground
Just like every other skill they learn, children must learn how to interact with dogs. They need to learn that they can’t just run up to every dog and pet them.
Kids should understand that dogs need space, too. We could sugar coat it, but if you want to avoid a potentially disastrous interaction between your kids and dogs, we have a good place to start:
- Never disturb a dog who is eating
- Don’t hug, ride, or generally maul a dog
- Never take a toy/chew off a dog unless you are exchanging it for a higher value item
- Don’t encroach on his personal space – dogs like peace and quiet too
- A growl is a warning – never punish it and always heed it
Ply Kids With Treats
Of the doggy kind. Get your kids involved in practicing commands or learning party tricks. Explain to them, at their level, how dogs learn. “If Fido does something you like, give him a treat and he’ll do it again.” Or “If you are trying to get Fido to do something, lure him with a treat.”
Be A Model Citizen
Kids learn through imitation. That is, what they see someone else do, they will imitate. Therefore, how they see you interact with Fido, they will copy.
Model positive dog-training methods, use rewards, and positive reinforcement. Avoid punishment; we know this serves no purpose but to create and exacerbate problematic behaviors.
While getting children involved in dog care and training can be a welcome extra pair of hands, as a parent, you still need to monitor their relationship and ensure the kids are interacting as they should.
A friend may smack their dog or use different methods – while you can’t change other people’s behavior, you can explain to your kids why you don’t use those methods.
There are lots of things to consider when getting children involved in caring for and training dogs, but these tips are a good place to start in raising a safe and responsible dog owner.
What tips can you share for helping kids train the family dog?
Feel free to leave a comment below to join in the conversation!
About the Author:
John is a professional dog trainer who has helped hundreds of families to train their forever family dogs.