How to Get Your Dog to Stop Snapping at Your Kids

Disciplining a domesticated dog that snaps is essential to keep the pet's behavior from escalating. One reason your dog may snap at your kids is because he considers all family members to be part of the pack, with only one of you as dominant. The dog may just be using dominant gestures to establish his place in the family. Know the right way to correct the undesirable behavior; otherwise neglecting and improperly disciplining your pet companion can result in injuries to both parties and make the bad behavior worse.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • Dog crate
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Reintroduce your kids to the dog. Put your dog on a leash and tell your kids to come pet him.

    • 2

      Discipline your dog as soon as he starts snapping at your kids. Firmly say "no" to stop the behavior. Place him in a dog crate so he can calm down and understands that you're unhappy with his behavior. Wait a few minutes and repeat this training session until the snapping stops. Don't tolerate snapping -- correct your dog each time.

    • 3

      Praise and reward your dog with a treat for good behavior, and instruct your kids to do the same. The dog will associate good behavior with getting praise and bad behavior with unpleasant consequences.

    • 4

      Observe your kids and correct their behavior, too. Your kids may trigger your dog's snapping by pulling his tail or playing with his toys. Tell them to stop doing whatever it is that causes your pet companion to snap.

    • 5

      Put your kids in charge of your dog's care. Allow them to feed the dog, praise the dog, command the dog and walk the dog. By making your kids your dog's providers, he depends on them and is less likely to show aggression toward them.