How to Train My Dog for Kids

One of the most rewarding types of relationships is that which exists between a dog and a child. However, bringing a dog into your family means teaching the dog to have manners around children and teaching children to have manners around dogs. If you choose the right dog for your family, training your dog for kids will simply be a matter of basic obedience skills. It is also important to teach your children how to interact with the dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Dog crate
  • Dog bed
Show More

Instructions

  1. The Dog

    • 1

      Teach your dog to sit. If your child is old enough, teach the child how to give the dog the command, ̶0;sit.̶1; This command is necessary in training a dog to be with children if the dog is prone to jumping on the child or becoming overly excitable around the child. When this occurs, simply give the dog the command, ̶0;sit.̶1;

      To teach your dog to sit, take your dog to a quiet area. Offer the dog a treat by holding the treat high enough that the dog̵7;s nose points upward but not high enough that the dog responds by jumping for it. When the dog̵7;s nose is pointed up, slowly move the treat back over the dog̵7;s body. This movement will cause the dog to naturally lower himself into a sit position. When you see the dog̵7;s bottom going toward the floor, say the word "sit," and give the dog the treat. Repeat this process several times a day until the dog knows the meaning of the word ̶0;sit.̶1;

    • 2

      Teach the dog the command, ̶0;leave it.̶1; This command will help the dog to interact with a child if the dog is prone to taking food or toys from the child.

      Teach the ̶0;leave it̶1; command by holding a treat in your open palm. When the dog reaches for it, say ̶0;leave it.̶1; If the dog goes for the treat, simply close your palm around it. After a few seconds during which the dog leaves the treat, give it the treat as a reward. Repeat this exercise several times a day until the dog knows the meaning of ̶0;leave it.̶1; Continue to increase the amount of time between offering the treat and allowing the dog to claim it. Teach your child, if she is old enough, to give the dog the ̶0;leave it̶1; command.

    • 3

      Crate train your dog. This involves introducing your dog to a crate and making it the dog's special place to go. Introduce the crate in a positive manner, and only place the dog in the crate for a few minutes at a time in the beginning. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog spends in the crate until the dog is comfortable staying in the crate for a few hours. Always provide a treat or special toy, water and the dog̵7;s bed in the crate. If your child is sleeping, eating or involved in some other activity that the dog would disturb, simply put the dog in its crate. The crate also provides the dog with a safe place to escape the children.

    The Child

    • 4

      Teach your child that the crate is the dog̵7;s safe place and that she should not bother it while it's in the crate. Also, teach your child not to disturb the dog when it is sleeping.

    • 5

      Teach your child how to interact with dogs. This means teaching the child not to take objects, food or the food bowl from the dog. Teach him not to get in the dog̵7;s face.

    • 6

      Forbid the child from playing tug-of-war with, wrestling or chasing the dog. Forbid the child from hitting the dog, pulling on the dog̵7;s tails or ears or yelling at the dog. Discourage children from yelling, throwing objects, swinging objects or becoming overly excitable in the dog̵7;s presence.