Kids & Dogs: Fun ways to keep it safe! - Part 2

In my previous post, Kids & Dogs: Keep It Safe! - Part 1, I discussed a number of things kids (and adults!) should never do for the happiness and safety of our entire families. It's time to take a positive spin and discuss fun activities that give kids an opportunity to safely play with pets. 

Training!

Kids constantly astound me with their brilliance, patience, and almost natural knack for dog training. I've seen it develop confidence in even the shyest of children. With adult supervision, kids can help teach their best friend basic obedience cues and even tricks! "Sit" is a great place to start, especially if your dog already knows how to sit.

From drsophiayin.com. Used without permission.

First, demonstrate these steps for your child. Children often learn best by doing!

If your dog doesn't know sit:

1) Put a treat in your right hand. Let your dog smell your hand.

2) Slowly move your hand upwards so that your dog's head follows. As your dog's head goes up, his bottom will go down! 

3) Do not worry about saying "sit". After your dog reliably responds to this hand signal, you can add the word "sit" but remember - only say "sit" once.

Tips to remember:

• Make sure treats are held in closed fists held against the body to prevent treat snatching and remind children to give treats with flat, open hands. 
• Show children that they need to practice with slow movements. 
• Be patient with your child and dog and offer both lots of praise!

Kids and dogs know that training is really a game! Children in particular are amazed at their new found skills! Try other basic cues such as down or paw next!

Come

Kids can do an awesome job teaching dogs to come when called as long as they remember one rule: Never chase your dog.

Have your child call your dog while running the opposite direction for a few feet. Your dog will undoubtedly follow! Have your children deliver a treat (with a flat, open hand) as soon as the dog comes to them! Later, this can be used to help teach your dog to fetch!

Hide and Seek

In this game, your child is the "hider" and your dog is the "seeker". Instruct your child to find a hiding place. After a few seconds, let your child call the dog. They will giggle with delight when the dog finds them!

Fetch

Kids can easily toss a ball or frisbee and call their dog to bring it back. Remind kids not to be discouraged if your dog doesn't immediately return. If you are struggling with fetch, read my post HERE.

Find it

Find it is Tank's favorite game. We play by hiding a treat or toy and then telling Tank to "Find it!". I start by telling him to "stay" for this but you could easily keep your dog busy while the child hides the item. After your child has hidden the item, tell your dog Find it and off he will run in search of good things! If you need more help playing find it, check out my post here.