Did you know that children are usually better than adults at dog training? Perhaps it is because children have one trait that adults often lack when it comes to dog training.

In a word: patience. Children are more patient with dogs because they are really fond of their pets, and training them becomes a game for them, not an arduous task. However, your child must be taught to sound authoratative (not just playful) when teaching dogs to respond to commands.

Dogs have the skills to comprehend signals and voice commands. These unique abilities should be maximized and utilized accordingly by using the hand, voice, and body when training them. The following tips are helpful for children who aspire to train their dogs:

1. Focus on Visual Signals: Dogs usually respond to voices of adults. Since children are the trainer this time, dogs may not understand the command from tiny voices. Children should learn how to use their hands to signal a command to the dogs.

2. Keep training session under 15 minutes: Dogs can get bored and lose interest after 15 minutes of training (just like a child!), so it is better to keep the sessions shorter to maintain their attention.

3. Be the Dominant Dog: Remember that dogs are pack animals and have an inbred tendency to respect the dominant dog. Eventually your dog will obey your child’s commands but repetition will be necessary.

4. Focus on One Command at a Time: Get the dog’s attention by using a hand gesture and voice command at the simultaneously. For example, if teaching a dog to sit, say, “sit!” while pressing on his backside until he sits. Once he has learned that command, your child can teach him another one.

5. Praise, Love and Treats: When your dog has done what you’ve asked of him, say, “Good Boy!” and pet him. By lavishing him with praise, your dog will learn to follow commands to please his trainer.

You’ll have to help your child learn to apply these suggestions, but once you do, the results will be impressive.