Teaching Calm Behaviour Around Children

Having a dog and young children in the same household can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be stressful if your dog gets overly excited, jumps, or becomes reactive.

Why Calm Behaviour Matters

Excited or over-stimulated dogs can accidentally knock over children, growl, or nip. Calmness helps your dog feel secure and teaches children how to interact respectfully. It also builds confidence in your dog and strengthens the bond between child and pet.

Practical Tips to Encourage Calmness

1. Start with Basic Training: Teach your dog foundational cues like sit, down, and settle. A dog that responds reliably to these commands can learn to remain calm around children more easily.

2. Use Controlled Introductions: Introduce your dog to children gradually. Start with short, calm interactions. Reward calm behaviour with treats, praise, or gentle petting.

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Create designated calm zones where your dog can retreat when they need a break. Teach children to respect these spaces.

4. Reward Calm Interactions: Whenever your dog stays relaxed around children, sitting quietly, lying down, or accepting gentle petting, reward them immediately. Positive reinforcement builds lasting habits.

5. Supervise Every Interaction: Never leave young children and dogs unsupervised. Even calm dogs can be startled, and supervision ensures everyone stays safe while learning.

Extra Support Makes a Difference

Calm behaviour around children doesn’t happen overnight. With consistent practice, patience, and guidance, dogs can learn to stay composed in the presence of kids.

At Doggie Diplomas, we work one-on-one with dogs and owners to build safe, confident, and calm behaviour around children, creating a happier home for everyone.

Doggie Diplomas, training that supports calm confidence, for dogs and their people.