If your dog knows how to behave around children, dogs and children can be a great combination. Some dogs know how to behave around children naturally. However, it is still necessary to train and socialize most dogs; boundaries are key.

Some dogs will indeed get along with kids, but some dogs are afraid of children. Nervous dogs may be trained to be safe around kids at a distance, but others will only be able to interact with them if they feel they are safe.

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Socialize your dog while he’s a puppy

Puppies go through a critical developmental period between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is when they are more likely to accept and be comfortable with various people and situations more easily. Introduce your puppy to children positively; he should meet children of various ages in a variety of situations. Children should behave well around dogs and be gentle with them. Your dog will associate good feelings with kids if he has good experiences with them.

Even an adult dog can be socialized with kids. However, there should be a more gradual and gentle approach to the process. Offer plenty of high-value treats and praise, but be sure to remove your dog at the first sign of stress.

Obedience Training

A well-behaved dog is the first step to ensuring the safety of your children. You can teach your dog how to behave around kids by teaching him basic commands, such as sit and down. By teaching him to lie down instead of jumping up to kiss visitors, you will be able to direct him to more appropriate behavior.

A professional trainer can assist you in training your dog. You can teach your dog how to behave around other dogs in dog training classes, which are more affordable than one-on-one professional training.

Replicate Kid Prodding

It is not unusual for even the most well-behaved child to wrap their arms around a dog’s neck or tug on its tail. Before your dog runs into a child, make sure he is prepared for this kind of attention. Praise him and give him treats while you hold his paws, gently pull his tail, and hug him. Keep the kids away if your dog shows fear or anxiety at this gentle prodding.

Keep your dog from jumping up.

Not every visitor will appreciate your dog jumping up on them to say hello. If your visitor is a young child, your dog may knock her over, resulting in them possibly being injured.

It would help if you never allow your dog to jump up. Ask your dog to sit instead of jumping up when you walk through the door; try walking back out the door if he jumps up. If he abstains from jumping up when you come home, be sure to give him extra praise and attention. Eventually, he will learn that jumping up on people is less rewarding than not jumping up on them.

Help get your dog used to children’s toys.

Children’s toys can be loud, flashy, and startling — especially to a nervous dog. Balls that are tossed or kicked across the yard can make your dog tempted to steal, chew, or chase toys. Toys can be destroyed, and in their excitement, children can be nipped or knocked over. Furthermore, sensitive dogs can become afraid of some children’s toys and associate that fear with children.

Without the kids present, introduce your dog to kids’ toys. Try to teach your dog commands such as ‘leave it’ and ‘stay.’ Using these commands, you can keep your dog from stealing toys or chasing after them. Make sure your dog is playing with appropriate dog toys.

Get them used to childlike behaviors.

Kids behave differently than adults; let’s face it. They run, yell, and move erratically. So introduce some of these behaviors to your dog yourself. For example, work up to having your dog stay while you run around or yell in a high-pitched, childlike voice.

Take your dog to a park or playground to get used to children’s behavior. Keep your distance first, and then slowly get closer to the children. Create some distance and start over if your dog seems anxious. Praise and treats are a great way to keep things fun.

Crate training

Children often do better around dogs if they have an escape route. Crate train your dog to be comfortable and happy in a crate. Children in your home should know that the crate is off-limits. As a result, your dog can interact with the children when he wants to while having a safe place to rest.

Don’t force dogs to accept children.

If a dog is anxious around children, holding your dog while a child approaches can be frightening. A dog may feel cornered and will become aggressive and growl, snap or bite to escape the object of his fears. Instead, give your dog plenty of time to become comfortable around kids, and let him decide how to approach them.

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Positivity Is Key

Positive reinforcement is the best way to build a healthy relationship between your dog and your children. Give your dog lots of praise, treats, and attention when he behaves well around children. When kids are around, your dog will learn that good things happen. As a result, he will soon be seeking out children and keeping to his best behavior.

Children should be given rules.

Training isn’t just for dogs. It is also essential to teach your children how to behave around dogs. Any child who enters your home should know the following:

1. It is important to pet the dog gently.
2. Don’t try to force attention on a dog.
3. Crates are off-limits to children.
4. When the dog is eating or chewing a bone, do not approach it.
5. While the dog is sleeping, leave it alone.
6. When the dog is in the room, make sure an adult is present. A dog should never be left unattended with a child.

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