Letting kids play "trainer" with puppy?

I think it's a great idea! And I don't think it will affect Riley's training or how he responds to you. Shelties are smart enough to know the difference between people and what each person expects from them. Your little brother is only 5 and he'll probably think of playing "dog trainer" as a cool game. Hopefully, he will learn something. If you dog seems uncomfortable or scared at any point, I'd stop. Don't rush it.

My dog is cautious around children and also barks and runs away, but when my 3 & 5 year old cousins come over, I have them play fetch with Bailey and I get the 5 year old to make her sit and give her treats. If they pet my dog, she gets scared and if they run or scream, she'll start barking, so we take it slow. The kids enjoy it and my dog loves to fetch, so it works out.
 
Give him something very simple to 'teach' (sit/down) using a treat.Keep it fun and short for both of them and use loads of praise and encouragement. Don't expect your brother to be interested for long though so try and call a halt before he gets frustrated or bored. I'm sure you'll both have loads of fun. Get him to feed treats with a flat hand so doesn't get inadvertently nipped and if he's watching you train try and remember to do this yourself while he is watching to set a good example. Sounds like a good idea to teach him to be sensible around the pup and build a bond and get pup to respect him. I don't think it will affect your own training negativly at all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top