Kids Spot

Kids Spot:

This page is dedicated to all the young people who are training their dogs and puppies. We will share their photos and fun stories. So check back often!

My name is Foster and I am 11 years old. I have been begging for a dog for a couple of years now. We have had three Alaskan Malamutes but we lost our last one three years ago due to old age. I finally got a new puppy about 3 weeks ago. He is a Bernese Mountain Dog and his name is Buddy. He looks like a little bear and he bites like one too! Ms. Laura from our dog class has been helping us train him not to bite and not to go potty in the house. Except for those two things he is a PERFECT dog for us!

I have learned from class that it is not such a puppy problem that is causing the biting and house training issues but the humans sharing his space aren’t doing what they need to make him successful. When I don’t pay attention to how rough I am playing with him or if I haven’t taken him out for exercise the biting and accidents in the house increase. When I get up every morning and take him out for a walk and spend time gently playing with him there is no biting or potty issues. Buddy is such a good puppy and is so calm most of the time when I remember to do my jobs with him. Sometimes I get tired and wish somebody else would take over but I know that’s not right. He’s growing so fast and I am learning not only how to take care of my puppy but how to be responsible in all that I do. I think puppy training is training me for life.

Total Teamwork Training, LLC - Laura Tyler:

Why Kids Make Great Dog Trainers

Kids have a natural energy and enthusiasm that dogs respond to. When a young person takes the lead in training, the bond between them and their dog grows stronger every day. Training isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building trust, respect, and a language you both understand. Kids who train their dogs learn patience, consistency, and empathy. These are skills that last a lifetime and help in school, friendships, and family life.

Many parents worry that training is too much responsibility for a child. But with the right guidance, kids can handle it beautifully. The key is to keep sessions short, fun, and positive. A ten-minute training game after school can be more effective than an hour of drilling. When kids see their puppy learn something new because of their own effort, the pride they feel is incredible. That confidence carries over into everything they do.

At Total Teamwork Training, we encourage kids to be the primary handler in class. The instructor coaches the child, and the parent supports from the sidelines. This approach helps the dog see the child as a leader, not just a playmate. It also teaches kids to read their dog’s body language and adjust their own behavior. That’s real teamwork.

Training Games That Work for Kids and Puppies

Training should never feel like a chore. Here are some games that kids can play with their puppies to build skills while having a blast:

• Find It: Hide a treat under a cup or behind a chair and let your puppy sniff it out. This builds focus and problem-solving.
• Red Light, Green Light: Walk forward when you say “green light” and stop when you say “red light.” Your puppy learns to watch you and stop on cue.
• Puppy Push-ups: Ask for a sit, then a down, then a sit again. Reward each one. It’s like puppy exercise and obedience all in one.
• Name Game: Say your puppy’s name and give a treat when they look at you. This teaches attention and a reliable recall later.
• Tug and Trade: Play tug with a toy, then ask your puppy to “drop it” and trade for a treat. This teaches self-control and sharing.

Remember to keep your voice happy and your movements calm. Puppies can get overexcited quickly, so end each game on a good note. A few minutes of training several times a day works better than one long session. And always have an adult nearby to help if things get too wild.

What Kids Learn Beyond Dog Training

Training a puppy is about more than sit and stay. Kids learn responsibility by feeding, walking, and cleaning up after their dog. They learn time management by fitting training into their day. They learn empathy by understanding what their puppy needs and feels. And they learn resilience when things don’t go perfectly the first time.

Many kids tell us that training their dog helped them speak up more in class or feel more confident with friends. That’s because they’ve practiced being a leader in a safe, supportive environment. When a 70-pound dog listens to a 10-year-old, that child knows they have a voice that matters.

Parents often notice changes at home too. Kids who train their dogs tend to be more patient with younger siblings and more helpful around the house. The routine of caring for a dog creates a sense of purpose. And the unconditional love of a dog is a powerful motivator.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Young Trainer

Your role as a parent is crucial, but it’s not to take over. Instead, be the coach’s assistant. Help your child remember training times, provide treats, and offer encouragement. Celebrate small wins, like the first time your puppy sits on cue without a treat in sight.

It’s also important to let your child make mistakes. If they forget to take the puppy out and there’s an accident, use it as a learning moment, not a punishment. Guide them to clean up and try again. This builds accountability without shame.

Keep training sessions short and positive. If your child is tired or frustrated, take a break. Training should be a joy, not a battle. And remember, every dog is different. What works for one puppy might not work for another. That’s okay. The journey is part of the fun.

Share Your Story with Us

We love hearing from kids who are training their dogs. Your story might inspire another young trainer who is struggling with puppy biting or house training. Send us a photo and a few sentences about your dog and what you’ve learned. We’ll feature you on this page!

Whether you have a Bernese Mountain Dog like Buddy or a tiny terrier, every dog-and-kid team has something to teach the rest of us. So don’t be shy. Tell us about your triumphs, your funny moments, and even your challenges. Together, we’re building a community of responsible, compassionate young dog trainers.

Check back often to meet new kids and their pups. And if you’re just starting out, remember: every expert was once a beginner. Keep practicing, keep playing, and keep loving your dog. That’s what Total Teamwork Training is all about.