Mastering Dog Training: 7 Easy Steps for Kids to Follow
Dog training is an effective way to shape the behavior of your pet and creates a strong bond between you and your furry friend. Training is also a fun and engaging activity for kids as it instills responsibility and teaches compassion. Consistent training results in a well-behaved and obedient dog that is sociable and less likely to indulge in destructive habits. This lesson, however, is not just about dog training for kids, but it is about how kids can participate in training your family dog.
Why Should Kids Train Dogs
Dogs are social animals, meaning they work best in packs. To successfully integrate them into our human “pack,” we need to socialize them with all members of the family, including children. By involving kids in dog training, we allow them to form a close relationship with the pet and become an active member of the “pack”.
Training also imparts invaluable life lessons to children such as patience, empathy, compassion, respect, and responsibility. Participating in dog training can also build a child’s confidence as they see the tangible results of their efforts and perseverance.
How Kids Can Safely Train Dogs
Safety is paramount when it comes to children interacting with dogs. Children must learn to approach dogs respectfully and not to tease or provoke them. Children should always supervise while interacting with dogs and should never be left alone with a dog, even the family pet.
Start by teaching your dog basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’. If your dog does not already know these commands, it can be a learning experience for both the kid and the dog. Encourage the child to reward the dog with treats and praise whenever it performs the trick correctly.
Dog training should be a fun experience, so always promote positive reinforcement. Punishment may make your dog afraid, which could lead to aggressive behavior. Instead, ignore the bad behavior and reward the good behavior, teaching your dog what is acceptable.
Types of Training Suitable for Kids
- Obedience training: This involves teaching your dog basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘down’, and ‘leave it’.
- Trick training: This can be fun for both the kid and the dog. Teach your dog to shake hands, play dead, or spin around.
- Agility training: For older kids, agility training can be a fun and challenging activity where the dog is directed through a series of obstacles like tunnels, weaves poles, and jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the right age for my child to start training our dog?
Most children can start helping with training tasks around the age of 5 or 6, under adult supervision.
- Why does my dog not listen to my child?
Dogs are pack animals, and they need to know their place in the pack. If your child is not assertive enough, the dog may perceive itself as the leader.
- How long should a training session last?
Dogs, particularly puppies, have short attention spans. Keep sessions short and fun, ideally 15 minutes.
- My child is afraid of dogs. How can I help?
Involve the child in training and caring for the dog under your supervision. This helps build confidence and reduces fear.
- Can my child train our dog on his/her own?
No. An adult should always supervise. In time, your child can conduct certain training activities independently, but always with an adult present.
Conclusion
Dog training is an amazing family activity that can bond your child and your pet while teaching valuable skills. It is also a fun way to instill discipline and understanding of animals in your child. Remember, safety is paramount. Keep training sessions short, fun, and under adult supervision for the best results. Use positive reinforcements and patience while training and see your family pet and child grow and learn together in a loving, respectful environment.
