Children frequent are better dog trainers than adults. Why?
Children have patience. And, they think pet training fun. Dogs usually respond to even the playful commands of a child, but stricter commands are even more successful.
Dogs understand gestures well, therefore, by learning a few hand/body and voice commands your children can easily train them. Here are some pointers for children who want to train their dog.
1. Use Hand Gestures: Since children do not have a commanding voices, they should focus on learning hand gestures to control the dog.
2. Limit Training to 15 Minutes At a Time: Dogs are very bright, but their attention spans are pretty limited. Training sessions should not exceed fifteen minutes.
3. Be Firm with the Dog: Dogs will submit to children if are consistently firm.
4. Focus on One Command at a Time: Get the dog’s attention by using a hand gesture and voice command at the simultaneously. For example, if teaching a dog to sit, say, “sit!” while pressing on his backside until he sits. Once he has learned that command, your child can teach him another one.
5. Praise, Love and Treats: When your dog has done what you’ve asked of him, say, “Good Boy!” and pet him. By lavishing him with praise, your dog will learn to follow commands to please his trainer.
Having your child train your dog will be a great experience for both.