Cartoon Dog Drawing Tutorial – A Free Page from Draw by Grid: Cartoon Cats & Dogs
If your kid loves drawing animals—but needs a little help getting started—the grid method might be just the thing. Today’s post features a free page from my book Draw by Grid: Cartoon Cats & Dogs, and it walks you through a cartoon dog drawing tutorial that’s easy, approachable, and fun.
The dog in today’s page is sitting down, full of personality, with a big toothy smile and a couple of goofy spots that make him extra charming. This free page is just one of the many cartoon animals included in the book, and every single one is drawn by hand—by me, Kevin Coulston.
No AI. No shortcuts. Just real artwork built specifically to help kids feel successful.
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What Is “Draw by Grid”?
The “Draw by Grid” method is one of my go-to approaches when designing books for beginner artists. It works by breaking the image into a grid of squares, so instead of drawing a whole character at once, kids focus on one small section at a time.
That means less pressure and more accuracy. By copying what’s in each box, they slowly build out the full character—and the end result actually looks like the example. This cartoon dog drawing tutorial uses that exact system to help kids learn how to draw confidently.
It’s a great fit for kids who may feel overwhelmed by starting from scratch. And it builds strong observational skills, too.
Why This Dog Is A Perfect Starter Drawing
Let’s talk about the cartoon dog in today’s freebie page. He’s sitting upright with floppy ears, a few spots, and a grin that takes up half his face. He’s the kind of dog character you might see in an animated short or a comic strip—simple enough to draw, but packed with personality.
What I love about this character is how approachable he is. There’s no tricky perspective or complicated fur details. He’s clean, bold, and shaped with curves and lines that beginners can tackle without frustration.
This cartoon dog drawing tutorial takes you square-by-square through the image, and by the time your kid finishes the grid, they’ll be amazed by what they’ve drawn. That’s the kind of moment that builds creative momentum.
How This Book Helps Kids Learn to Draw
Draw by Grid: Cartoon Cats & Dogs is part of my broader “Draw by Grid” series. In this book, every page features either a cat or dog character in a fun pose. Some are playful, some are sleepy, some are silly—but all are hand-drawn and designed with kids in mind.
Here’s what you can expect in this book:
- Full-page grid tutorials – Each image is divided into easy-to-follow sections to help kids focus on details without getting overwhelmed.
- Cartoon-style characters – Bold lines, expressive faces, and simple shapes that are fun to recreate.
- Lots of variety – From cuddly kittens to energetic pups, every drawing offers a different challenge and a new opportunity to learn.
When your kid works through this cartoon dog drawing tutorial, they’ll be developing skills they can apply to all kinds of characters, not just animals. Grids train the eye to see proportion, spacing, and shapes—all essential building blocks for any kind of drawing.
The Power of Drawing Tutorials for Kids
I design all of my books with the same goal in mind: to help kids succeed creatively. That means the tutorials need to work—not just look good. This cartoon dog drawing tutorial is one example of how a simple format can make a huge difference.
By working through each square, kids aren’t just copying—they’re understanding how a drawing comes together. They’re learning that big pictures are really just a bunch of small shapes and lines working together. That realization can open the door to more confidence, more creativity, and a lifelong love of drawing.
And since everything is hand-drawn, kids aren’t just tracing sterile vector art or trying to imitate computer-generated characters. They’re connecting with lines made by a real person (me), and that creates a different kind of engagement.
Why Parents Love the Grid Method
I hear from a lot of parents who are amazed at how quickly their kids start making progress with the “Draw by Grid” format. And it’s no surprise—this method works for visual learners and analytical thinkers alike.
Here’s why the grid method is so effective:
- It’s structured – The boxes give kids a framework to follow, which is great for beginners.
- It breaks things down – Complex drawings become manageable when viewed as a series of small steps.
- It encourages accuracy – Kids develop an eye for proportion and placement without even realizing it.
- It builds confidence – When the final drawing looks like the example, kids feel proud and excited to draw more.
This cartoon dog drawing tutorial is a perfect example of how the grid method turns a simple idea into a skill-building activity that feels like fun.
A Book Full of Fun and Friendly Pets
While today’s freebie is a smiling dog, Draw by Grid: Cartoon Cats & Dogs is packed with a whole cast of silly, cuddly, and curious characters. You’ll find sleepy cats, hyper dogs, sneaky kittens, and goofy pups—all ready to be drawn with the help of a grid.
The goal of the book is to make drawing accessible and enjoyable. If a child can finish one tutorial and feel successful, they’re going to want to try the next. And before you know it, they’re moving through the book with growing confidence and artistic skill.
Free Activity Pages (save and print):
Final Thoughts
This cartoon dog drawing tutorial is more than just a fun activity—it’s an introduction to a method that can help your child learn how to draw with precision and pride.
Draw by Grid: Cartoon Cats & Dogs offers a safe and friendly environment for kids to experiment with their creativity. And best of all, they’ll come away with drawings they’re proud to show off.
So grab the freebie, print it out, and see how your young artist does with today’s cheerful cartoon dog. Who knows—this might just be the first step in a lifelong love of drawing.
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Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 70 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”
