Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care, Training, and Companionship

Crate training your puppy

A crate is a great place to leave your puppy when you can't watch her.

1. Start with your treats in one hand and your clicker in the other. Stand close to your puppy's crate.

2. Toss a treat into her crate.

3. Click when she steps into the crate and eats the treat.

4. Repeat this several times so that she can practice.

5. When she's very good at it, say "Go to bed" and then move your hand as if to toss a treat.

6. When your puppy steps into her crate, click and give her a treat.

Attention game

Teaching your puppy to pay attention to you is the most important skill of all. After all, you can't teach her anything if you don't have her attention.

1. Hold a treat in one hand and your clicker in the other.

2. Extend the hand holding the treat out to your side where the puppy can see it.

3. Be still and don't talk to your puppy. Just wait.

4. Your puppy will probably stare at your treat hand for a while, but then she'll glance over at your face.

5. As soon as she looks at you, click and give her the treat.

6. Keep practicing.

How to behave around dogs

It's tempting to hug, kiss, and squeeze a puppy. This kind of physical affection is normal for people, but not for dogs. It may make them feel trapped and uncomfortable. Many dogs learn to tolerate being hugged, but very few dogs really enjoy it. Instead of hugging, practice petting dogs with slow, smooth strokes.

Loose leash walking

No one likes to be dragged around by a dog. If you teach your puppy nice leash manners while she's small, you'll save yourself lots of aggravation when she's full grown.

1. Take treats and practice in your yard.

2. Whenever your puppy looks at you, give her a treat. This will teach her to check in with you often.

3. Try to keep the leash loose. If your puppy pulls, stop.

4. Wait for you puppy to loosen the leash, and then the two of you can move forward again.