Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

Children Will Take the Lead with Fun & Easy Dog Training Techniques Every child wants a dog, yet not every child--or even grown-up!--is equipped to take on the responsibilities that come with owning a dog. But with the help of Vanessa Estrada Marin, the director of a sought-after dog-training program for kids, your child will have fun being in charge! Dog Training for Kids breaks down lessons and tutorials in simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions. Kids will have everything they need to be caring and responsible dog owners: Basic Training Lessons including Stopping Unnecessary Barking, Potty & House Training, Obedience, Leash Training, Crate Training Essential Commands including Sit, Stay, Heel, Drop It Clever Tricks including Roll Over, Speak, High Five, and Leap Super Fun Games including Obstacle Course, Frisbee, Tunnel And More -- Equipment List, How to Train Your Dog to Be Calm at the Vet, How to Dog Proof Your Home Whether young dog lovers will be raising puppies, adopting rescues, or getting their first dogs, this all-in-one book will give them the confidence and knowledge to properly train, take care of, and establish a lasting bond with their well-behaved furry friends. "A must read for kids thinking about getting a dog or puppy. An extremely informative guide for children that will set them up for success in understanding, caring for, and training their new best friend. One of a kind book!" —Kristin Sells, Senior Canine Behavior Counselor CPDT-KA, Biscuits & Bath NYC   "This book is written in a way that my child could follow along with the tutorials easily, especially when paired with the detailed illustrations. As a parent, I appreciate the positive language the author used to encourage children to be kind and patient with dogs as well as themselves.”  —Celeste A. Ramirez, President and Owner of CARA Construction Management, mother of Catherine (11-year-old dog owner)   “My daughter is a dog lover, but not a fan of reading. She could not put this book down! My child has read it more than once because it doesn’t feel like a boring manual, and there is so much to learn about dogs. I feel like now she knows more than most people do!” —Yuan Wang, mother of Siena (8-year-old dog owner) Vanessa Estrada Marin is the director at Frolic, a unique facility specializing in dog-centric programming for kids in New York City. Previously, she was an adoption center manager at North Shore Animal League America. She lives in Queens with her husband, Jorge, and their Chihuahua mix rescue Reyna. Frolic is a 1,500-square-foot space on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where the interactive and educational are taken to a new level. Truly unique, Frolic is home to four friendly career change service dogs. Visitors come to meet Patience, Chichy, Huxley, and Murray while simultaneously learning about man's best friend from Frolic's dog-loving experts. Frolic supports the community through various after-school programs, camps, specialized courses such as Overcoming Fear of Dogs and Canine Companion (how to have/care for a dog), and birthday parties. Frolic also hosts special events held on-site and off-site. They have worked with Girl Scouts of America and various schools. → MEDIUM "DOWN" “Down” is the command for a dog to lie down and teaches your dog good manners by putting them in the resting position. When a dog’s body is in a resting position, it’s easier for them to calm their mind as well. Think about it—don’t you feel more relaxed when you are lying down? Your dog does, too! ITEMS NEEDED • High-value treats in both hands • A blanket or towel for your dog to lie on, preferably one they already use Learn this first: “Sit” (page 52) STEP 1 Lay the blanket or towel down for your dog. Put small pieces of high-value treats into both of your hands and make them into fists. Place one hand behind your back. Using the other hand to demonstrate that you have a treat, lure and call your dog over to the blanket. STEP 2 Tell your dog to “Sit” on the blanket or towel. Once they are in a steady sit position, kneel down to get closer to your dog’s level. STEP 3 Just like you did with the “Sit” command, hold one of your treat hands close to your dog’s nose. Slowly move your hand down in a straight line toward the floor or their toes. This technique is called “nose to toes.” The goal is for your dog’s head to follow your hand into a lying down position. Your pup may lick at your treat hand as they move downward; this is okay. Once they lie, use a marker word and give them a treat—not from the front hand, but from the hand that was behind your back. Practice this exercise five times. STEP 4 Now repeat the exercise using the word “Down” just like when you taught your dog “Sit.” Each day, make your dog lie in the “Down” position a little bit longer before rewarding them with your marker word and treat. Once they have mastered “Down” while you are kneeling, begin p