So many families are looking to adopt a dog or bring a puppy into their lives. Although this is a wonderful thing and can bring so much joy and excitement into our lives, it is not without its challenges. Having dogs and kids in one home can be chaotic and has its own set of frustrations. From kids leaving the front door open, leaving you to chase your dog down the street, to counter-surfing dogs who are looking for some leftovers, our furry family members often add stress into the dynamic and can create conflict for family members.
\n \nTo alleviate these common issues, there are some manners or cues we can teach dogs. Manners and cues give our dogs predictability and direction on what our expectations are. Teaching your dog to respect the door, so that they do not go outside without you cuing them out, can be a great way to prevent a dog from dashing out the door every chance they get.
\nAnother skill that can be helpful with snacking kids is the “leave it” cue, especially for when things fall off the counter and interesting toys come in and out of the house. “Leave it” should mean, “leave whatever I am asking you to leave, and come to me for something better”.
\n“Leave it” is not only a great cue in the home, but can be potentially a lifesaving skill for your dog outside when you are out and about. Leave the coyote, the porcupine, that piece of smelly garbage, etc..
\nOne common issue families face is a puppy stealing a sock, a toy, or something they should not have, and it becomes a wonderful game of keep away that involves a lot of chasing and a lot of fun… for the dog. To combat this issue, a “drop it” cue can be really helpful. It is also convenient if you have a dog that loves to play ball or tug, and you need them to drop the toy or ball to be able to throw it for them.
\nSpeaking of chase, a solid recall is not only a wonderfully helpful skill to have, but can also be lifesaving. No one wants to be that person chasing their dog down the street after they get out of the yard, or out the front door. A strong recall is something that can be challenging to master, but it is one of the most important skills a dog should have. Not only does it mean you can recall your dog back from running down the road, but away from potential dangers.
\nOne of the most overlooked skills is a dog’s ability to be separated from the family while everyone is home. This can mean behind a gate, in a crate, or trained to target and remain on a bed. When our dogs can settle out of the way of cooking dinner, kids in their energetic moments, and not be bouldering over toddlers while chasing the toy they just threw, it adds a little bit of peace into a busy household. It is also a great skill for your dog to have when you have guests over that may be nervous around dogs. Putting in a little bit of separation when things get busy can prevent a lot of mishaps.
\nThe more manners your dog has, the easier it is to give directions and set your dog and family up for success. Taking a positive reinforcement-based class from a certified trainer that encourages everyone in the family to attend is the best way to learn the skills you need to help increase peace in your home and help everyone succeed. Having dogs and kids together can be a wonderful thing and can provide a lifetime of happiness and joy. When we put time into training them in a positive way where everyone can be involved, it makes that life together just that much more special.
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Elysia has been working with dogs and kids for over a decade. She is a CPDT-KA certified trainer and a Family Paws Parent Educator. She is a mom of two young children and co-owner of Pawstive Families Education & Training. Her business is dedicated to working specifically with families with dogs and helping parents overcome any issues between dogs and kids. For more information visit pawsitivefamilies.com.
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