7 Survival Tips for Living with a Dog and a Toddler
So, you’ve got a dog. And now, you’ve got (or are about to have) a tiny human too. Congrats! Your house is about to become an obstacle course of toys, dog hair, and half-chewed snacks.
If you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to manage both a toddler and a dog without losing your sanity, don’t worry—I’ve got your back.
Here are seven solid survival tips to keep both your kid and your pup happy (and you slightly less sleep-deprived).
1. Start Training Yesterday
If your dog listens about as well as a toddler in a candy store, it’s time for some serious training. Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” will save your life. Imagine dropping a pacifier on the floor and your dog lunges for it—gross, right? Yeah, “leave it” is your new best friend.
If your dog needs a little refresher course, start ASAP. Positive reinforcement works wonders (aka bribing with treats). And if you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn pup, a professional trainer might be worth the investment.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Create Safe Zones (for Everyone)
Your toddler doesn’t need constant access to the dog, and your dog definitely needs a break from grabby little hands. Set up baby gates, playpens, or even a designated “dog-only” chill zone.
For your toddler’s sake, keep your dog’s food and water bowls in a spot where little hands can’t get to them—unless you want your kid playing in dog water like it’s a splash pad.
3. Supervise Like a Hawk
Look, your toddler means well, but they have the motor skills of a baby T-Rex and the impulse control of, well… a toddler. That means things like tail pulling, ear grabbing, and full-body tackling are inevitable.
Never leave your dog and toddler alone together. Even the most patient dog has limits, and your kiddo is still figuring out what “gentle” means.
Pro tip: Teach your toddler to pet with an open hand instead of grabbing fur. And maybe don’t let them ride the dog like a pony—just a thought.
4. Exercise is Your Best Friend
A tired dog is a good dog. If your pup is bouncing off the walls while you’re trying to wrangle a cranky toddler, you’re in for a rough day.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental exercise. A long walk, a game of fetch, or even a puzzle toy can work wonders. If you can’t get outside as much as you used to, brain games like treat-dispensing toys or scent work can help burn off that extra energy.
Because trust me, you do not want a bored dog and a cranky toddler at the same time.
5. Manage the Chaos with a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Toddlers thrive on routine. You? You just need a moment to drink your coffee while it’s still hot.
Syncing your dog’s schedule with your toddler’s can make life a whole lot easier. Try to walk the dog when your toddler is in the stroller or having quiet time. Feed them both around the same time (though, let’s be real, your toddler will still probably try to eat the dog’s food at least once).
The more predictable your routine, the smoother your day will go.
6. Teach Boundaries (Yes, to Both of Them)
Your dog needs to learn that the toddler isn’t a chew toy, and your toddler needs to learn that the dog isn’t a stuffed animal.
Start with basic boundaries:
- Teach your toddler not to bother the dog when they’re eating, sleeping, or chilling in their “safe space.”
- Train your dog to stay calm when the toddler gets excited (because they will, often, and loudly).
- If your dog is nervous or easily startled, consider a “safe word” (like “go to your bed”) so they know when to step away from the chaos.
Mutual respect is the goal here, and yes, it is possible—even if it takes some time.
7. Accept That Mess Will Happen (and Just Roll with It)
Your house will never be pristine again. There, I said it. Between dog fur, muddy paws, and whatever your toddler just smeared on the wall, your cleaning routine is about to level up.
Invest in:
✅ A good vacuum (dog hair + crushed Goldfish crackers = disaster)
✅ Washable everything (because spills are inevitable)
✅ A sense of humor (because some messes are just not worth the stress)
At the end of the day, both your dog and your toddler are going to create chaos—it’s just part of the deal. But they’ll also give you endless love, cuddles, and hilarious moments that make all the mess worth it.
Final Thoughts
Managing a toddler and a dog isn’t easy, but it’s totally doable with a little planning (and a lot of patience). Set boundaries, create a routine, and give everyone their own space. And when in doubt? Take a deep breath and remind yourself that one day, you’ll miss the chaos.
Or at least that’s what people with older kids say. 😆
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
