Teaching a Kid to Ride a Dog

I've created this guide in order to help anyone interested - or curious - learn how to train both children and dogs for riding.  First of all, I want to emphasize again that this can only be done if the dog wants to do it.  If ,at any time during the training, the dog growls or shows any signs of aggression, stop immediately.  Trust is also important between both the child and the dog, so take it slow - each owner knows what their dog's individual personality is like. 

Some of the best dogs that are suited for this are Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Rottweillers.  But, as a general rule of thumb and calculation,  use a dog that can safely carry 20% of it's body weight.  For example, a 160 lb Great Dane can safely carry 32 lbs.  The 20% rule is the best way to calculate the safety zone of how much weight the dog in question can carry.  Also, make sure the dog has had a complete vet exam before hand - including testing of the hips for soundness.

This guide isn't just about training , it's also about building up respect between the child and the dog, which is why the family dog is normally chosen.  There's 6 steps to the training, and again, take each step one at a time, repeating each step with praise and treats until you can see the dog is accepting of it, and finds it to be fun.

Step 1

The dog should be willing to carry weight on his/her back.  This can be tested/trained with a dog backpack, which you can find in pet stores. Begin with a empty backpack stuffed with newspaper.  This is to condition the dog to have the feeling of something on their back.  Have the backpack on the dog once or twice a day, and observe the dog's behavior, gently correcting them when they hit the backpack on trees, walls, etc.  The dog should soon learn to avoid hitting the pack on obstacles, so then begin adding weight to the pack.  After several weeks, the pack should be up to the child's weight, but not over 20% of the dog's weight.

Step 2

With the dog lying down, have the child lie down next to him. The child can place a leg over the dogs back but not any weight. This is to get the dog use to having the child touching his back. After a few days, the child can "pretend" to lie on the dog's back while the dog is lying down. Again, no weight on the dog's back at this time. Another way is have the dog sit and the child stand behind him pressed against his back. The child pretends he is riding to let the dog get use to the child pressed against his back.

Note: There are two ways to ride a dog. The first type is riding him/her like a horse. The child sits just behind the dog's shoulders and hangs onto the dogs collar or neck fur. Make sure the child does not kick the dog. He/She is not a horse!!! The second way to ride is like a jockey. The child lies on the dogs back, spreading his weight across the dog's back. The child holds the sides of the dog's neck. Don't have the child wrap their arms around the dog's neck. The child will lose their balance. By lifting his chest a little off the dog's shoulder, they will stay on better.

 

Step 3

 

By the time the dog is strong and use to the child over his back, it's time to let the dog feel the child's weight on their back. Try having the dog lying down and the child lie on top of the dog. Watch the dog very carefully. If they do not like the child on them, stop. Some dogs don't like having weight on them when they are lying down. Remember, as the dog lets the child on him, always tell them they are a good dog.

Step 4

This is the hardest step. With the dog standing, place the child gently on the dog's back. Hopefully the dog will stand still for this. Just let the child sit on the dog for a few seconds and then take them off and tell the dog they are a good dog. Give them a treat for being so good. Do this 1 or 2 times once or twice a day. The child can stay on longer as you can judge the dog can handle it. Some dogs will be ready to take off with the child the first time. I don't suggest this because the child will most likely fall off. Other dogs will take longer, but only keep going if the dog wants to do it.

Step 5

After a few times placing the child on the dog, the dog should be able to stand still as you do this. When the dog stands still for the child, they should be able to get on without you helping them.

Step 6

After the dog likes having the child on him, lead the dog slowly around the yard. This is mostly to teach the child how to stay on. Some kids just can't balance and fall off a lot. Also, a dog with a skinny back is harder to ride. Once the child can stay on the dog, you could try letting them ride on their own.

It takes practice.....               

 

 

And practice.....                  

 

 

And practice....                  

 

And more practice....             

 

And even more practice. lol        

A word of warning - I suggest that you never let the child and dog alone together. It's not safe. Some kids mistreat the dogs. And most dog-bites are when a dog and child are left alone together.

 

Step 7

Don't forget to take lots of pictures and video clips. 

Hopefully, this guide has been, or will be , a big help in training both your children and your dogs for this unusual, but awesome, trick. To all who have found this guide a big help, Take lots of pictures and video clips of this accomplishment, and send them to me at theveld@yahoo.com .