Children and Dogs
A Safe & Happy Partnership
Growing up with a dog is wonderful for a child’s development. Family dogs can:
Boost immunity
Reduce allergies
Improve self-esteem
Develop empathy and compassion
Encourage sharing and consideration
Support emotional wellbeing through unconditional love
But for all the joy dogs bring, they also need to be understood and respected — especially by children. It’s not enough to expect your dog to “just be good with kids.” Children and dogs both need to learn each other’s language — and it’s our job as adults to teach, guide, and supervise.
The Reality: Even the Best Dogs Can Bite
Most dog bites involving children come from a family or familiar dog, and often occur to the face or head. No matter how sweet, social, or tolerant a dog may be, every dog can bite if pushed beyond their comfort zone.
Triggers can include:
Pain
Illness
Startling experiences
Rough handling
Feeling cornered or overwhelmed
It’s unrealistic to expect dogs — especially puppies — to tolerate inappropriate behaviour without reacting. Instead, set everyone up for success.
What You Can Do:
✅ Create a “Safe Zone”
Every dog should have a place they can retreat to that is off-limits to children — like a crate, playpen, or separate room.
✅ Teach Respectful Interactions
Help your child learn to:
Approach dogs calmly
Avoid disturbing them when sleeping, eating, drinking, chewing, or hiding
Speak softly and use gentle hands
Leave dogs alone when they walk away
Children should never:
Pull ears, tails, or fur
Climb, crawl on, or hug the dog
Run wildly at or around the dog
Chase the dog
Tease, growl at, or reprimand the dog
✅ Supervise at All Times
Never leave a young child and a dog alone — not even for a second. Most incidents happen quickly, and prevention is key. Even the most loving, docile, tolerant and accepting dog has their limit and their day. I can be prevented by supervision and education.
When Introducing a Baby to a Dog:
Remember — to a dog, a baby doesn’t automatically “register” as human. The movements, sounds, and smells are unfamiliar and can be overstimulating.
Introduce the baby on neutral ground (e.g. front yard)
Keep the dog on lead and reward calm behaviour
Let the dog sniff a baby blanket before meeting the baby
Supervise every interaction, especially during early months
Red Flags: Know the Warning Signs
Dogs at higher risk of reacting negatively to children often if:
Lack obedience training
Haven’t been socialised with small children
Resource guard food, toys, or spaces
Are sensitive to touch or fearful of people
Have a history of aggression or prey-driven behaviour
Reduce Risk with Preparation:
Socialise your puppy early with calm, child-friendly experiences
Teach foundation cues: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Look/Watch
Give your dog positive experiences around kids from day one
Posture, Body Language, and Prevention
Dogs rarely bite without warning. Watch for appeasement or conflict signals such as:
Lip licking
Yawning
Turning the head away
Whale eye (showing the whites of the eyes)
Tense posture or freezing
If you notice these, intervene immediately — don’t wait for it to escalate. Teach your child to notice and respond too.
Did You Know?
💔 55% of children who suffer serious dog bites go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
That’s why it’s vital to prevent these situations before they start. Early education and supervision are the most powerful tools you have.
Final Thoughts:
Dogs and children can grow into an incredible bond — one built on love, trust, and mutual respect. But that bond starts with clear boundaries, consistent supervision, and early training — for both species!
When we teach our kids to understand and respect dogs from the beginning, we raise safer, happier children and calmer, more confident dogs.