Do's and Don'ts: Keeping Playtime Safe Between Kids and Dogs

tug of war

Dogs and kids can be the best of friends, but it’s important to make sure playtime stays safe for everyone. Some games are great for building a positive relationship, while others can encourage bad habits or even lead to accidents. Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure kids and dogs can enjoy their time together safely.

DO:

• Play Fetch (With Rules!) A good game of fetch is a fantastic way to burn energy and reinforce good behavior. Make sure your dog knows to drop the toy or ball without hovering over it. If your dog refuses to let go or tries to turn it into a tug-of-war, end the game until they learn to play properly.

  
  

• Play Hide and Seek This is a great game that reinforces recall and builds a strong bond. Kids can take turns hiding and calling the dog, rewarding them with praise or treats when they find the person. It’s fun for everyone and helps develop good listening skills in dogs!

  
  

• Hide a Toy for Your Dog to Find This is another fun scent-based game that keeps dogs engaged and thinking. Hide a favorite toy somewhere in the room and encourage your dog to sniff it out. It’s a great alternative to high-energy games that might get out of hand.

  
  

• Teach Fun Tricks Together Teaching tricks like “sit pretty,” “high five,” or “spin” is a fantastic way for kids and dogs to bond while reinforcing good behavior. Plus, it’s something everyone in the family can take part in!

  
  

DON’T:

• Play Tug-of-War Tug-of-war might seem fun, but it encourages rough play. A small puppy tugging at a toy might be cute, but as they grow, the habit can become problematic, especially for young children. Tug-of-war can lead to overexcitement, frustration, and even resource guarding.

  
  

• Play Chase Games If a dog grabs a shoe or another off-limits item, chasing them around will only reinforce bad behavior. Plus, a running, squealing child can overstimulate the dog, leading to rough play. Instead, teach kids to calmly trade a toy or treat for the item and redirect the dog’s attention.

  
  

• Wrestle With Your Dog Wrestling might seem like harmless fun, but it can quickly escalate. Even without a dog involved, someone always seems to get hurt during roughhousing. A dog may not understand when the game stops and could accidentally nip or knock someone over.

  
  

• Pull Toys Out of Your Dog’s Mouth If a dog has a toy and refuses to let go, pulling on it can cause frustration or even encourage possessive behavior. Instead, teach kids to trade the toy for a treat or another toy, reinforcing polite interactions.

  
  

Train With Me for a Safer, Happier Dog

Teaching kids and dogs how to interact safely is essential for a happy home. If you’d like help reinforcing good behaviors and preventing problem habits before they start, I can help! Book a session with me at Good Dog In Training, and let’s create a fun and safe environment for your whole family.