Kids and Dog Walks: Teaching Safe Leash Habits to Children

Taking kids on walks with the family dog can be a wonderful way to teach responsibility, build confidence, and get everyone moving. But children don’t have the strength, reaction speed, or judgment of adults—so safety and clear rules matter. This guide lays out age-appropriate roles, simple leash-handling skills (including the two-hand hold), short role-play scripts kids can learn, and easy backyard practice exercises to build competence before stepping onto busy sidewalks.

Before you start: a quick safety checklist

• Is the dog calm and reliably leash-trained for short outings?

• Is the child old enough to follow instructions and stay focused (see age notes below)?

• Is the equipment appropriate — well-fitted harness for the dog, and a leash handle the child can grip comfortably?

• An adult should always supervise walks involving children; never leave a child alone with a dog in public.

Age-appropriate responsibilities at a glance

• Ages 3–5 (preschool): Mostly supervised. The child can help with simple, safe tasks—holding a treat, helping clip a waste bag, or calling a simple cue while an adult actually holds the leash.

• Ages 6–9 (early elementary): Can hold the leash in a quiet, low-risk area while an adult walks alongside. Start practicing the two-hand hold with a short, lightweight leash and a calm, well-trained dog.

• Ages 10+ (pre-teen): Many kids can manage short neighborhood walks with a calm dog under close adult supervision, using the two-hand technique and following safety rules. Evaluate each child and dog individually rather than strictly by age.

The two-hand leash hold (why it helps and how to do it)

Two hands give better control and reduce the chance the leash slips through little fingers.

How to teach it (simple steps):

1. One hand holds the leash handle near the dog.

2. The second hand holds the leash 12–18 inches down the line.

3. Keep elbows slightly bent and the leash held low — this keeps the dog close to the body and gives the child better leverage if the dog pulls.

4. Practice walking in a quiet space until the child can shorten and lengthen the line smoothly using both hands.

Safety tips:

• Teach kids to drop the leash if the dog bolts and call for adult help—wrapping can cause injury.

• A padded handle makes it more comfortable for small hands.

Simple leash rules to teach kids

1. No sudden jerks. If the dog lunges, plant your feet, stay calm, and call the adult.

2. Stop and call. If the dog freezes or sees a trigger, stop, gain the dog’s attention with a cue, and wait for the adult’s instruction.

3. Keep the leash short in crowds. Hold the dog close near traffic, parking lots, or other dogs.

4. Always pick up waste and put it in the trash. Make it part of the walk routine.

5. If the dog behaves unpredictably, hand the leash to the adult immediately.

Role-playing scripts kids can practice

Short, repeatable phrases help kids act quickly and politely.

• If another dog approaches: “We’ll step back, thanks!” (step aside, shorten leash)

• If a runner or cyclist comes close: “Back up, please!” (move toward the curb and keep dog close)

• If dog gets excited: “Sit — good!” (cue a calm behavior and reward)
  Practice these lines at home until the child can say them calmly without panicking.

Backyard practice drills (5–10 minutes each)

Start away from distractions and build skills in small steps.

1. Two-hand walk laps: Child practices holding the leash with two hands and walking a short loop. Reward the dog for calm walking.

2. Stop-and-call game: Child walks slowly; adult or helper drops a toy a few feet away. Child practices “stop and call” to keep the dog focused and return to the child.

3. Doorway drill: Child practices clipping the leash (supervised), asking the dog to sit, and opening the door only on calm behavior. This builds routine for leaving the house safely.

Keep sessions short, positive, and fun.

Choosing kid-friendly gear

Some leash and harness features are easier for children to manage:

• Padded handles that are comfortable for small hands.

• Lightweight ropes or flat webbing that are easy to grip.

• Mid-length (4–6 ft) fixed leashes — predictable and less likely to tangle than retractables.

• Secure front-clip harness for dogs that tend to pull—gives more predictable steering and reduces sudden neck pressure.

FIDA offers kid-friendly leash features like padded handles and stable braking designs; see our gear resources at fidapet.com for fit and comfort tips.

When to wait or bring in an adult

• The dog has a history of strong pulling, reactivity, or fear.

• The child becomes distracted, tired, or excited.

• Conditions are risky (near busy streets, construction, or large crowds).

If any of the above apply, the adult should take full control and keep the child engaged in a helper role instead.

Final tips for parents and caregivers

• Start small: short, supervised walks and backyard practice build skill and confidence.

• Reward both the child and dog for calm behavior—positive reinforcement works for learners of all ages.

• Review safety rules before every walk. Make the routines predictable so kids know what to do without thinking.

• Model calm handling yourself—kids copy your posture and tone.

Teaching kids safe leash habits gives them practical skills and helps your dog learn consistent cues. With a little practice, short walks become safe, fun family time.