How to Train a Dog When You Have Kids in the House

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A dog can be a wonderful companion for children, but safety depends on adults. Training, management and supervision keep both sides safe and happy.

Golden rule: supervise

No dog should be left unsupervised with a young child. Even gentle dogs can react when startled, hurt or tired. Active supervision means being close enough to step in at any time. Use gates, crates and closed doors when you cannot watch.

Teach children the rules

• Be gentle. No pulling ears, tails or fur, and no climbing on the dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is eating, sleeping or chewing.
• Do not hug or kiss dogs on the face.
• Leave the dog alone in their bed or crate.
• Ask before touching, and pet on the chest or shoulder.
• Stand still like a tree if a dog is too excited.

Practice these with toys first, and praise children for following them.

Teach the dog calm manners

• Settle: a calm place away from the action. See how to teach a dog to settle.
• No jumping: see how to train a dog not to jump on people.
• Gentle taking of treats: teach soft mouths.
• Leave it: useful around toys. See how to teach leave it.
• Drop it: see how to teach drop it.

Safe spaces

Provide a crate, bed or room where the dog can retreat, and teach children never to enter it. Use baby gates to create zones.

Learn dog body language

Teach the family to recognize stress signs: lip licking, yawning, whale eye, turning away, tucked tail, stiffening and growling. When you see them, give the dog space. Never punish a growl, because it is a warning that prevents bites.

Involve children in training

Children can reward calm behavior, play fetch with supervision or practice simple tricks like sit. Keep tasks short, and ensure an adult guides them. See how to teach a dog to sit.

Toys, food and resource guarding

Keep children away from food bowls and chews. Teach your dog to trade toys for treats. If your dog guards, seek help. See how to choose a dog trainer.

Exercise and enrichment

A well-exercised dog is calmer around children. Provide walks, play and puzzle toys.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a child alone with a dog. Always supervise.
• Ignoring signals. Learn dog body language.
• Allowing teasing. Teach respect.
• Punishing growls. Address the cause instead.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog jumps on children. Teach a calm greeting.
• Your dog steals toys. Use trade games and management.
• Your child is afraid. Go slowly and use treats.
• Your dog bites or snaps. Separate, and consult a vet and behaviorist.

Building the relationship

Good relationships grow from small, positive moments. Have children help by tossing a treat to the dog from a distance, or by sitting quietly while the dog rests nearby. Let the dog choose to approach, and let the child learn to wait.

Set up family routines, such as children helping to fill the water bowl or carrying the leash, so the dog sees them as a source of good things. Always follow with adult supervision, and end each activity on a calm note.

Review rules regularly as children grow, and update expectations for older children, who can take on more responsibility. Praise kids for kind behavior, just as you reward the dog.

The takeaway

Supervise, teach both dog and child the rules and provide safe spaces. A well-managed home keeps everyone safe.