Stand Behind Your Child
Dogs should respect everyone in the family, including kids. To teach this, you can stand behind your child to boost their confidence, then have your child give the dog a command they already know (like “sit”). The child should use simple, firm body language and a clear, confident voice.
Elevate Authority
If the dog ignores your child, step in right away and repeat the same command. You can also have your child stand on a higher surface—height can suggest authority.
Building Leadership in Kids
If the dog does obey the child, let the child reward the dog with a treat. Allowing the child to hold and give the treat boosts the child’s sense of leadership.
Going for walks also helps show leadership. Let the child walk the dog, while an adult follows to assist if needed.
Fostering Daily Leadership
Give your child opportunities to command the dog daily, and encourage the dog frequently. Within a few weeks, you’ll see a big improvement in how the dog responds to the child.
