How to Train Your Dog to Handle a Toddler

While many dogs are tolerant of having a child play with their toys، bones، or food bowls، some dogs get aggressive over these items. It's important that you teach your toddler to leave your dog's things alone. Move your child away from your dog's food bowl. If your toddler is old enough، have your child help you to feed the dog and show that you both need to move away so your dog can eat. If your child picks up the dog's toys، take them away، telling your kid that the toy belongs to your dog، and give your toddler one of their own toys instead.

Problems and Proofing Behavior

Positive reinforcement works well for both dogs and toddlers. Don't forget to let them know when you like their behavior. If your toddler is calmly petting your dog، tell them they are doing a good job. If your dog is calmly accepting having your toddler grab big handfuls of fur، throw the canine a treat and remind your toddler about the right way to handle the dog.

 Consistently rewarding good behavior from both of them should make for a better relationship between your toddler and your dog.

If you are not comfortable with your dog's body language around your toddler، or if your dog has growled، snapped، or bitten your toddler، find a dog trainer or animal behaviorist immediately. Your veterinarian may be able to recommend someone good. A common mistake is to think that either your dog or child will grow out of this bad behavior. That's not necessarily true and can lead to a dangerous situation if the training isn't improved. Keep your dog and toddler away from each other until you have consulted a professional. A good dog trainer can help you come up with a plan to deal with the problem between your dog and toddler.