10 Great Tricks Your Kids Can Teach a Family Dog

Often, a family dog becomes a child's closest companion, sharing countless joyful moments. Living with a dog not only enriches children's lives but also teaches them responsibility, nurturing life skills that last a lifetime. When children teach their dog tricks, it strengthens their bond and encourages the dog to respect and listen to them.

It is vital to remember that no child under seven or eight years old should be left alone with a dog, regardless of the dog's temperament. Accidents can happen even with the kindest dog, such as the pet knocking a child over, which could cause fear. Building confidence in children around dogs is important, but dogs must also be taught respect for small humans.

1. Teaching Your Child to Recall Your Dog

Teaching children to call the family dog by name is a fundamental skill, ensuring the dog listens and responds. Have your child call your dog's name in a calm voice in a secure environment. When the dog approaches, the child should reward them using a favourite healthy treat offered with an open hand to avoid accidental bites.

2. Teaching the "Sit" Command

Getting your child to teach your dog to "sit" builds foundational obedience. Your child should hold a healthy treat just above your dog’s nose, then slowly move the treat backward over their head, which naturally encourages your dog to sit. As your dog’s rump touches the ground, the child should say "good dog" and reward with the treat. Repetition should be kept to five times per short session, repeated several times weekly.

3. Teaching to "Stay"

Once your dog is reliable at "sit", help your child teach the "stay" command. With the dog sitting, your child should say "stay" clearly while stepping back slowly. If the dog moves, guide it back to sit and repeat. Encourage your child to increase the distance and duration gradually, rewarding calm obedience with praise and treats. Sessions should be brief to maintain enthusiasm.

4. Teaching to "Come"

Teaching your dog to "come" when called by your child reinforces safety and control. Have your child walk a short distance away, call your dog’s name followed by the command "come", and reward promptly with praise and treat when the dog obeys. This strengthens the dog-child relationship and encourages trust.

5. Teaching the "Shake Hands" Trick

Ask your child to start with the dog sitting. Show them how to gently hold your dog's paw and say "shake". When the dog offers its paw, your child should praise warmly and give a treat. Practice a few times a week in short sessions of 4-5 repetitions. This trick is delightful and great for social interactions.

6. Playing "Find It"

"Find it" is a fun indoor trick that engages your dog’s incredible sense of smell. Your child can hide a treat in an easy-to-find spot initially, then progress to more challenging places around the house. Giving the "find it" command encourages your dog to seek the treat, providing mental stimulation and enjoyment on rainy days.

7. Teaching the "Down" Command

As a way to discourage jumping up, teach your child to say "down" when the dog jumps. If your dog does not obey, your child should turn their back and wait quietly until the dog calms down. Repeating this helps teach the dog polite greetings and self-control.

8. Walking with "Heel"

If your child is old enough to walk your dog, teaching "heel" is essential for safety. Show your child how to hold the lead close to their side, walk slowly, and say "heel". Rewarding the dog each time it walks calmly beside your child reinforces good lead manners and prevents pulling.

9. Teaching "Hush" to Control Barking

For dogs that bark excessively, teaching your child to say "hush" calmly helps control noise levels. When your dog obeys the command, your child should calmly reward with praise and treats, avoiding excitement that could prompt more barking.

10. Teaching Your Child to Fetch the Dog's Lead

One of the most practical and engaging tricks is teaching your child to get the dog’s lead when it is walk time. Your child should place the lead near the dog and say "fetch your lead." When the dog picks it up, reward with praise and a treat. Then have your child lead the dog to the door, repeating the process several times. This interactive trick combines training and fun while boosting children’s confidence.

What Age Can Kids Safely Teach a Dog Tricks?

Quick Answer: Children under seven or eight years old should always be supervised during interactions with dogs. Kids aged seven and older can safely participate in training activities when closely guided by an adult.

According to current UK recommendations, children younger than seven or eight should never be left alone with a dog due to safety concerns. At this age and beyond, with proper supervision and instruction on gentle handling and clear commands, children can effectively teach dogs tricks. Introducing training at an early age helps children develop empathy and responsibility while forging strong positive bonds with their pets.

How to Teach Kids to Train a Family Dog Step by Step

Training a family dog together can be a rewarding activity that benefits both children and pets. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:

1. Prepare the environment: Choose a quiet, distraction-free area at home to train your dog.
2. Gather treats: Use small, healthy treats that your dog loves to motivate them.
3. Explain commands clearly: Teach your child the exact words and tones to use consistently.
4. Demonstrate the trick: Show your child how to perform the trick and reward the dog.
5. Encourage patience: Explain to your child that repetition and calm encouragement are key.
6. Supervise at all times: Never leave your child alone with the dog during training.
7. Celebrate success: Praise both your child and dog warmly to reinforce positive behaviour.

Short, regular training sessions of 15-20 minutes keep interest high and allow steady progress. This approach fosters responsibility, patience, and strong bonds between your children and your family dog.

Remember, whenever welcoming a dog into your family, consider adopting from reputable breeders or rescue organisations to ensure ethical and responsible pet ownership.

Teaching your children to train your dog not only creates a well-behaved pet but also provides your kids with invaluable lessons in empathy and responsibility that will stay with them for life.