YOUR DOG'S BEST LIFE

Everything your dog needs to live a happy and active life.

  • Club Services

    • Daycare
    • Overnight
    • Pricing
    • Become a Member
  • Dog Training & Sports

    • Dog Training
    • Training Partners
    • Set up Consultation
    • Group Classes
    • Book Classes Online

Login Club Services

Login Sports & Training

About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login: Daycare/Boarding
Login: Training/Classes
  • Beat Boredom
    • Enrichment
    • Exercise
      • Hiking
      • Running
  • Caring for Dog
    • Boarding
    • Daycare / Pet Sitting
    • Grooming
    • Products & Gear
  • Dog Training
    • Puppy
  • Dog-Friendly
    • Events
    • Holidays
      • Christmas
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • Local
    • Recipes
    • Travel
  • Health & Wellness
    • Food & Diet
    • Safety
  • Just for Fun
    • Gifts
    • Sincerely, Fitdog
      • Press
    • Spotlight
    • Trends
(310) 828 - 3647

Dogs & kids: How to promote positive interactions with your dog

Keep everyone happy and safe by promoting positive interactions

Collapse

Related Posts:

Top 5 Myths About Separation Anxiety in Dogs
March 12, 2024
Dog Training Tools: What to Use and What to Avoid
September 22, 2023
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
July 01, 2025
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
September 29, 2023
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Why You Should Never Fake Having a Service Dog
January 23, 2020
Scent Work provides mind games for the nosey hound
October 21, 2019
Why daycare is not a cure for separation anxiety in dogs
June 11, 2019
Tips for Training Non-Treat Motivated Dogs
February 28, 2019
Cardio Tricks Class – Interview with the Trainer!
September 25, 2018
How to know if your dog is really bad, or just bored
September 20, 2018
Choosing the right training program for your dog
January 21, 2021
Training your dog to walk on a leash
June 13, 2018
How to make your dog’s training last
January 25, 2018
Dog Sports: Water Dogs
January 23, 2018
What it’s actually like being a professional dog hiker
November 17, 2017
The difference between obedience and behavioral training
October 26, 2017
Signs your dog is stressed
August 14, 2017
Five essential dog training tips for success
July 19, 2017
Separation anxiety affects dogs just like humans
April 14, 2017
Puppy problems: jumping
April 07, 2017
Meet our Trainers: Rhonda Feinberg
March 29, 2017
Ways you might be harming your dog without realizing it
January 09, 2020
How not to get discouraged from potty training
March 15, 2017
Meet our trainers: Jeff Soto
February 24, 2017
Walking Your Dog Without Fear
January 19, 2021
Working parents guide to Fitdog training programs
January 11, 2017
5 reasons to crate train your dog
December 09, 2016
Why is Recall Training so Important for Dogs?
November 18, 2016
Categories:
  • Dog Training

Kids and dogs are so cute together. Having a pet can be a wonderful learning experience for kids, and of course, they are the best companions. However, it’s important to make sure the interactions are safe and mutually desired. Here are some sure-fire ways to promote positive and safe interactions between your kids and dog. 

Ways to promote positive interactions between kids and dogs


Photo by Piscea via Unsplash

Find activities fit for both parties

Allow your kids to engage with your family dog in a way that benefits both kids and dog, such as running around outside or playing fetch. Both can get out energy and have some fun. Avoid rough play like wrestling because this type of behavior can escalate and potentially turn into a bite (even if unintentional). It also teaches your dog that aggressive behavior is acceptable. 

Give dogs their space

Even if it appears that your dog is tolerating close interaction, avoid face-to-face contact, such as hugging and kissing. Dogs don’t it like when their personal space is being encroached upon. In fact, dogs usually don’t like hugs, and there are some telltale signs you can always look for.

Be gentle

Don’t let your kids tug at your dog’s collar, tail, ears, or neck. This is very threatening and could result in an aggressive reaction. 

Mediate

Be the cheerleader and protector of your dog. If you are stopping an undesired behavior, your dog will sense that you have it under control.  If you let your children have rough or stressful interactions with your dog, your dog might take things into his own paws. 

Remember to be patient with your dog and kids during this process! After all, any relationship is a work in progress. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or ask one of our fantastic trainers!

Cover photo by Alicia Jones on Unsplash

This post was updated on April 24, 2019.

Fitdog Logo
Andrea Servadio

Last updated on August 18, 2017
What’s next?
Do dogs experience sensory overload?

Like it or not, it’s mankind’s world, and dogs are just living in it. In an urban environment, dogs are exposed daily to loads of auditory and visual stimulation that may be overwhelming. You may not even know...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
Ways to Help Those Impacted by Los Angeles Fires
January 09, 2025
Top 5 Myths About Separation Anxiety in Dogs
March 12, 2024
Mysterious Dog Illness: Everything you need to know
November 23, 2023
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
Blog: Off the Leash
About
Employment
Contact Us
Club Services
  • Daycare
  • Overnight
  • Pricing
  • Become a Member
Training & Sports
  • Dog Training
  • Group Classes
  • Book Classes Online
  • Set up a Training Consultation
Located at 1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA

Transportation available in Santa Monica, Mar Vista, Palms, Cheviot Hills, West LA, Venice, Marina Del Rey, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades

In home training available throughout Los Angeles

Follow us:

contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018-2023 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by
Employment Inquiry
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
What position are you applying for? *
Select your highest level of education *
Let us know about your animal experience (Select any that apply) *
Please do not include care or training of your own dog or pet.
Are you at least 18 years old? *
Do you have a California driver's license? *
How did you learn about Fitdog? *
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
(pdf, doc, png, jpeg, jpg up to 1MB)
Loading