How do I train my dog to be calm around kids?

If you have a dog that is scared of your child or other children, you must take the situation seriously and find ways to give your dog space from children so that he can learn to be more comfortable around the source of his fear. Be very careful when training your dog with children, and use only positive training instead of punishing your dog for showing negative behavior. Teach kids to be calm around your dogs. Fearful dogs are often uncomfortable with sudden movements and high voices. You can try to create a positive association with kids, if you have the right distance and calm children to help. Start having calm kids walk past at a safe distance, and when they pass, give your dog a high-value treat. If your dog seems nervous, move further away. Over time, the kids might be able to throw your dog’s favorite treats to him. The dog must always be leashed and a good distance away but if she sees that good things come to her any time a child walks past she might begin to look forward to the presence of children. Learn to read your dog’s body language and fear signals, so you know when your dog is becoming uncomfortable. If your dog shows any fear signals when around children, move your dog away immediately, without reprimanding your dog or the kids.

To help you and your dog learn basic training techniques, it might be worth enrolling in some dog training lessons. Reward relaxed behaviours. To begin with you may just need to reward your dog for any behaviour that doesn’t involve staring at you, pulling on the lead, or barking. Sit quietly on a chair with your dog on the lead and a blanket on the floor. Drop tiny bite-size treats to your dog as a reward for settling down on the blanket. Don’t say anything to your dog while doing this. Always make sure your dog is having a good time when settling, whether enjoying their toys, chews, or simply dozing and snoozing. Try to resist telling your dog what to do during training, the aim is for them to learn for themselves to be calm and to relax. Add in distractions slowly by practising the ‘settle’ in increasingly busy areas or ask a helper to create a distraction by walking past, progressing to more exciting activities like sweeping or skipping. If your dog becomes unsettled or gets up, ignore them and wait until they settle again before rewarding them.