WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY DOG KNOCKS OVER MY KIDS OR OLDER GRANDPARENTS?
Simple training routines and smart boundaries can help prevent accidental bumps and falls at home.
Dogs can get excited when greeting family members, playing, or moving around the house, but that excitement can become a safety concern when they knock into children or older adults. Even a friendly dog can accidentally cause someone to fall, potentially leading to serious injuries. Teaching your dog to move calmly around people and managing exciting situations can help keep everyone safe.
TEACH YOUR DOG TO THEIR GREETINGS CALM
Excited greetings are a common time for dogs to jump up, rush toward people, or bump into them. Practice having your dog sit or remain calmly on the floor before receiving attention from family members and visitors. Reward calm behavior consistently, and pause the interaction if your dog starts jumping or pushing into someone. Make sure everyone follows the same expectations so your dog learns that calm greetings are required every time.
CREATE A SAFE SPACE
When your dog is overly excited, it is important to prevent them from rushing into people who may be more vulnerable to falls. Use a leash when needed to manage your dog’s movements around children and older family members. Give your dog a designated place to relax when the household becomes busy, such as their crate or a quiet area away from foot traffic. Supervision and physical barriers can help prevent accidents while your dog continues learning appropriate behavior.
PRIORITIZE SAFETY
Preventing falls requires more than training alone, especially when young children or older adults are involved. Do not rely on vulnerable family members to manage the dog’s behavior, and never leave young children unsupervised with a dog. Use barriers or a leash when necessary, and work consistently on calm greetings and impulse control. With clear boundaries, active supervision, and ongoing practice, you can help your dog learn to move more safely around the people in your home.
