Kids and Dogs

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Adults Model Training for Kids

  • Dog demonstrates strong  response to established  training

  • Adult models training exercise

  • Child calmly observes

Kids Practice Training

  • Child calmly reinforces the dog in down position
  • Adult supervises training
  • Child says release cue and leads dog outside for a training break

Dogs and kids crate training

  • Child calmly reinforces dog in down position in crate
  • Child practices using a marker in training
  • Adults supervise training

Outside Training

  • Adult supervises training
  • Child calmly reinforces dog in down position
  • Child gives release cue and dog walks away to explore

Baby Gate Training

  • Dog safely separated from child with extra tall baby gate
  • Child is asked to calmly sit on a towel
  • Dog is reinforced to build calm, positive associations with child

The Takeaway

1

Foundations

Adults should establish foundation skill sets with dogs first. Kids (especially under the age of 12) should be practicing behaviors that were previously trained to fluency by an adult.

2

Model Training

Once behaviors are trained to fluency, sit down with your kids to model training exercises. This will help your kid learn how to engage with your dog in a positive way, it will also help your dog learn to practice calm behaviors in your child’s presence. 

3

Hyperactive Dogs

If your dog jumps or bites playfully at your kids, it is a great idea to have your kids practice crate training exercises with your dog. This allows for a safe set up where the dog is reinforced for calm behavior inside the crate. You can also have your kids read to your dog, while you reinforce with food.

4

Safe Exposure

Another way to safely expose a dog to a child when/if there is any concern of aggressive behaviors (growling, snapping) is to have the dog behind a baby gate and do training where the dog is reinforced on their training mat with a child a safe distance away.

5

Short Sessions

Five minute training sessions are ideal. Break up training with low key play or a short walk.

6

Keep Calm

Avoid high energy interactions between dogs and kids to avoid jumping, rough play, or play biting.

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