Dog Training: Five Easy Tips for Children

Isn’t it amazing to witness the maturation of children? From their first steps to opening those child-safe locks their accomplishments surprise us. So, it shouldn’t shock you to learn that it’s often easier for a child to train a dog than it is for most adults. Why is this?

Children have patience. And, they think pet training fun. Dogs usually respond to even the playful commands of a child, but stricter commands are even more successful.

Dogs have the skills to comprehend signals and voice commands. These unique abilities should be maximized and utilized accordingly by using the hand, voice, and body when training them. The following tips are helpful for children who aspire to train their dogs:

1. Use Visual Signals: Dogs are known to respond to deep voices, so children may have a problem when trying to control them with only voice commands. It’s important to Use hand signals in addition to voice commands to control your dog.

2. Keep training session under 15 minutes: Dogs can get bored and lose interest after 15 minutes of training (just like a child!), so it is better to keep the sessions shorter to maintain their attention.

3. Be Firm with the Dog: Dogs will submit to children if are consistently firm.

4. Use Only One Command at a Time: Once you have their attention, use hand gestures and spoken commands but only one at a time. For example, if teaching a dog to sit your son or daughter should say, “sit!” while at the same time using the hand to gesture the command. Your child’s voice should be firm and your gesture should be coordinated with it.

5. Shower Your Dog With Love and Praise: When a dog follows commands, your child should you praise and pet him. A dog treat will make him enthusiastic about training, but be sparing with the treats or the dog will only respond when he expects a reward.

Having your child train your dog will be a great experience for both.