10 Things Every Dog-Loving Family Should Know (Especially if You Have Kids!)

Getting a dog is one of the best gifts you can give your kids—but let’s be honest… it’s not always sunshine, slobbery kisses, and Instagram-worthy cuddles.
Sometimes it’s growls over Goldfish crackers, tail tugs, or your toddler trying to ride the dog like a pony (true story, unfortunately).
So how do you help your dog and your children thrive together?
By setting them both up for success.
This week’s post is packed with practical tips to help you raise safe, confident kids and emotionally healthy dogs—all while avoiding the most common rookie mistakes I’ve seen as a breeder and trainer. Let’s dive in:

1. Understand Dog Communication & Boundaries:
Dogs speak a totally different language than we do—and if we leave them to teach our kids that language on their own… they will. But trust me, you probably won’t like the outcome.
Or worse—you’ll get mad at the dog for being “aggressive” when they were actually trying to say “I’m uncomfortable” the whole time.
Teaching kids that dogs are not stuffed animals is a must. Dogs have preferences, moods, and boundaries—just like your child does. And they should be allowed to have them!
Print out a dog body language chart and put it on the fridge. Teach your kids to recognize lip licks, whale eyes, tucked tails, yawns, and side glances. It’s how your dog says, “I need space.”

2. Never Wake a Sleeping Dog:
Ever been yanked out of sleep by a loud noise or someone touching your face? You know that flash of panic?
That’s fight-or-flight—and dogs experience it too. When dogs are asleep, they’re in their primitive brain. If startled awake, their first reaction is not logical—it’s protective. That means a snap or growl is not aggression… it’s instinct.
Their thinking brain—the part that chooses kindness and self-control—takes a minute to come online.
Make it a house rule: never wake a sleeping dog. If your kids are young, keep your dog crated or in a safe nap zone where they won’t be bothered. It protects your dog—and your children.

3. Proper Introductions Are Key :
First impressions matter.
Let the dog come to the kids—not the other way around. Have everyone sit calmly and quietly on the floor and allow the dog to choose who to approach first. You can even make it a fun “who will they choose?” game to keep the mood light.
Use new toys and treats to make it a curiosity-driven moment, not a high-pressure one. And always make sure the dog has a visible exit in case they feel overwhelmed.

4. Set Up Safe Spaces for Your Dog:
Dogs need a space that’s 100% theirs. If you don’t give them one, they’ll find it themselves—under your bed, behind the couch, or in a corner.
Instead, set up a retreat space from day one. A crate, a gated-off room, or even a designated bed in a quiet corner can help your dog know where to go when they need a break from the chaos of family life.
Introduce this space positively. Train them to go to their “place” with a calm voice and reward them for resting there.

5. Teach Kids How to Pet a Dog Properly:
Gentle hands. Slow movements. No grabbing, no tail pulling, and absolutely no surprise hugs.
Can you condition a dog to tolerate rougher touch? Yes. But it takes training and experience. Done incorrectly, it teaches your dog that play with your child means excitement and roughness—which becomes a problem when that “puppy” hits 60 pounds.
Model petting with an open hand on the chest, shoulders, or side. Never approach a dog from behind or reach over their head. Help your child respect the dog’s personal space.

6. Always Supervise Playtime:
This is not optional.
Even the kindest dog has a breaking point if they feel overwhelmed, cornered, or teased. Kids can be loud, unpredictable, and physically rough. Dogs can be reactive, especially in high-energy moments.
You are the translator, referee, and emotional anchor during dog-and-kid play.
And don’t forget—this is about all dogs, not just yours. Your child needs to learn that just because your dog is sweet doesn’t mean every dog will be. Teach them to ask permission from the owner and the dog (by reading body language) before touching.

7. Get Kids Involved in Feeding Time:
Food is a big deal to dogs. If they see kids as competition instead of contributors, they may develop guarding behaviors.
Let’s flip the script.
Have your kids help with meals in a calm, structured way. Let them place the bowl down and give the release command like “Okay!” or “Go eat!” This teaches your dog that your child brings the good stuff—and builds trust, not tension.
This one little habit can prevent years of problems and set the tone for respectful cooperation.

8. Use Positive Reinforcement… and Teach Pack Order:
Positive reinforcement builds trust. And trust builds obedience.
But don’t skip the structure. Dogs are pack animals. If they don’t know where they fit in the family hierarchy, they’ll decide for themselves. And you might not like what they choose.
Sometimes, they’ll assume they outrank the kids—and act accordingly.
Teach your dog to respond to age-appropriate commands from your children. Praise both your dog and your child when it goes well. That’s how you build healthy leadership and respect within your home.

9. No Couch Time (At Least Not Yet):
Here’s something most people don’t realize: to dogs, elevation = status.
If your pup is sitting on the couch or in your lap while your child is playing on the floor, they may start to believe they are higher in the pack. Especially if they’re being pet and doted on during that time.
Some dogs even start guarding you—their favorite resource—because now they think they’re in charge.
So here’s your rule: no couch access for the first few months. Keep your dog on the floor and teach them that affection comes from good behavior, not status. If you eventually want a couch companion, make it “by invitation only.”

10. Socialize Early—With Kids, Too!
​Socialization isn’t just for other dogs. It’s exposure to the world: sounds, surfaces, strangers, stairs, scooters, and yes—even squealing children.
When puppies are young, their brains are most open to learning. Positive experiences with people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds help them become well-rounded, confident adults.
Make it a family affair. Go on gentle errands, invite friends over, walk calmly past strollers, and let your pup experience the world with you.
The more you expose them to now, the less reactive they’ll be later.

Final ThoughtsHaving a dog and kids is one of the greatest combos ever—when done right.
It’s not just about keeping your kids safe. It’s about helping them become confident, respectful, and emotionally intelligent humans through their bond with an animal.
And it’s about raising a dog who knows they can trust their humans—including the littlest ones.
Because when dogs and kids speak the same language… the friendship that follows is pure magic.

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