How to Stop Your Dog from Chasing Children

Train Your Dog to Stay Calm with Puppy Pauses

Start building your dog’s ability to stay still with "Puppy Pauses," a foundational exercise from *The Puppy Primer*. Begin in a quiet area with minimal distractions. Ask your dog to sit, then give a treat immediately. Continue giving treats one after another while your dog remains seated, using an under-handed motion to deliver them without requiring movement. This reinforces staying in place and builds emotional control over time. Practice consistently to create a strong base for future stay commands.

Teach Children to Stay Still and Safe

Children should be taught to "be a tree" when encountering a dog, as demonstrated in *Kids and Dogs: A Professionals Guide*. This means planting feet firmly, folding arms, and looking down at the ground. This still, non-threatening posture helps stop a dog’s interest and prevents chasing. Practice this role-play with stuffed dogs to simulate real encounters. If the dog approaches, children must stay still until the dog loses interest, then walk away and tell an adult. This method teaches children how to respond safely without running or making sudden movements.

Use Distraction and Leash Management in Real Time

When your dog shows interest in a child, use distraction techniques from *Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0*. If you see a child approaching, shorten your leash (without tightening), stand between your dog and the child, and drop treats on the ground away from the child. This redirects focus. If your dog starts to react, do an emergency U-turn and reward calm behavior with a treat. You can also jog away while saying “Let’s go” or toss treats to encourage a lookaway. These methods help your dog learn that children are not a trigger for excitement.

Supervise, Leash, and Know When to Step Back

Always supervise interactions between dogs and children. As advised in *Aggression in Dogs*, your dog should wear a collar, headcollar, and leash—no exceptions. If your dog shows stress or signs of aggression, immediately move away and ask for a “Sit & Remain Calm.” If necessary, place your dog in a safe room before children arrive. Respect your dog’s signals: if they are stressed, it’s a warning. Muzzles are recommended if you’re unsure of your dog’s reaction. Proactive management prevents harm and keeps everyone safe.

Seek Help if Aggression or Fear Persists

If your dog shows aggression toward children, seek help from a positive-based trainer or behaviorist immediately. As noted in both *The Puppy Primer* and *Aggression in Dogs*, some dogs may never be comfortable around children, even with training. Do not take risks. Resources like *Dogs & Kids: Parenting Tips* and *Your Ideal Dog* offer guidance. Always prioritize the safety of children, your dog, and your family. Prevention is better than reaction.