How to Train a Dog With Kids Around

No matter how gentle your dog, young children should never be left alone with them. Children can accidentally hurt a dog, and a dog who is tired, in pain, or startled may snap. Most bites to children happen at home, with a familiar dog, often when an adult is not watching.

Use management tools: baby gates, pens, closed doors, and a comfortable crate or bed where the dog can retreat. Teach children to leave the dog alone when they are in their space, and make sure everyone understands the rules.

Keep the rules simple, clear, and consistent. Repeat them often, and practice them together. The following are a good starting point.

• Be gentle, and stroke the dog on the chest or back, not the face or tail.
• Do not pull ears, tails, or fur, or climb on or ride the dog.
• Leave the dog alone when they are eating, sleeping, or in their bed or crate.
• Do not hug or kiss the dog's face.
• No chasing, grabbing, or screaming near the dog.
• Do not take toys or food from the dog.
• Tell an adult if the dog seems scared, hurt, or growling.

Children can take part in training, but the tasks should match their age and ability. Toddlers can help by giving a treat from a flat hand, with an adult beside them. Younger school-age children can practice simple cues, such as sit and down, with supervision, and help with feeding. Older children can take on more, such as short training sessions, walks with an adult, and games.

Do not give children sole responsibility for the dog. They can help, but adults must oversee food, exercise, safety, and care. Praise children for being calm and kind, so they learn what works.

Dogs need to learn manners around kids as well. Practice with calm, well-supervised sessions. Reward your dog for sitting when a child approaches, for staying calm during play, and for settling on a mat while children are active.

1. Teach a sit for greeting, and reward it when children approach.
2. Teach a mat command, so the dog has a place to relax while the family is busy.
3. Practice calm behavior while children walk and run in the area.
4. Teach a gentle take for treats, so fingers are safe.
5. Teach leave-it and drop-it, so toys and food can be managed.
6. Practice short, positive sessions, with children as helpers, not as leaders.

Jumping, mouthing, and chasing are common. Prevent them with management, and teach alternatives. Keep the dog on a leash or behind a gate when children are very active. Teach children to stand still like a tree when the dog is excited, and to ask for a sit before petting. Offer the dog a toy to carry or chew when excitement rises.

For nipping and mouthing, redirect to a chew toy and give breaks when the dog is overexcited. If a puppy is nipping children, separate them calmly, and provide a rest. If the behavior is intense, or if the dog growls or snaps, consult a veterinarian and a qualified trainer promptly.

Note: Teach children to recognize signs of stress in dogs, such as yawning, lip licking, turning away, and growling. These are signals to give the dog space.

A dog who gets enough exercise, sleep, and mental stimulation is better able to cope with a busy home. Provide regular walks, play, and quiet time. Protect the dog's sleep, particularly for puppies. Keep routines predictable, and give the dog a safe place to retreat that children are not allowed to enter.

With patience and consistency, a family can create a relationship that is safe, respectful, and joyful for everyone, including the dog.