At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

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

Keep everyone happy and safe by promoting positive interactions

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim
April 09, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Puppy Socialization: Why your dog needs it
January 25, 2021
Andrea Servadio
Andrea Servadio
August 18, 2017

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.

Categories:
  • Behavior
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Training
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:
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by