10 Essential Safety Tips to Teach Children About Dogs

Children benefit immensely from growing up alongside dogs, fostering compassion, responsibility, and respect for animals from an early age. However, it is vital to ensure these interactions are safe for both children and dogs. Teaching children to understand and respect canine behaviour helps prevent injuries and builds lifelong positive relationships.

In this article, we offer 10 carefully considered safety tips designed to educate children on how to behave around dogs. These tips promote understanding, caution, and kindness, helping to keep kids safe and nurturing their love for dogs.

1. Never Pet a Strange Dog Without Permission

Children should always ask the owner’s permission before approaching or petting any dog they do not know. Young children can be excited and may run up suddenly, which can alarm even friendly dogs. Teaching restraint and respect for a dog’s space helps prevent startling the animal and potential accidents.

2. Approaching and Petting a Dog Safely

When permission has been granted, children should approach calmly, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and allow the dog to come towards them. Extending a hand for the dog to sniff first signals friendliness. Always encourage gentle petting, stroking softly rather than rough handling.

3. Do Not Pull or Be Rough With Dogs

Children should never pull on a dog’s ears, tail, or fur. They need to learn dogs are not toys and deserve gentle treatment, as rough behaviour can cause distress or defensive reactions. Even well-behaved dogs have limits that must be respected.

4. Know When to Leave a Dog Alone

Older children should be taught to recognise signs that a dog needs space—such as backing away, growling, or a tense posture—and respect these signals by leaving the dog alone. This skill is essential for unsupervised interactions and helps keep both dogs and children safe.

5. When Dogs Should Not Be Disturbed

A crucial safety rule is that dogs should not be disturbed when eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Interrupting dogs in these moments can provoke protective or defensive behaviours. Children must understand the importance of leaving dogs alone during such times.

6. Reading Warning Signs in Dogs

Teaching children basic canine body language can empower them to recognise when a dog is uncomfortable or stressed. While many know that a wagging tail often means happiness, children should learn that it can sometimes indicate other emotions. Signs such as growling, showing teeth, or stiff body language suggest to keep a respectful distance.

7. What to Do if an Unfriendly Dog Approaches

Children should learn strategies to respond calmly if an aggressive or unruly dog approaches. This includes not running away—which can trigger a chase—keeping the dog in sight, avoiding direct eye contact, and standing still or backing away slowly. Placing an object like a bag between themselves and the dog can also help, as well as seeking help if nearby adults are present.

8. How to React to an Unsupervised Dog

If a child encounters a loose dog without an owner, they should be taught not to approach or disturb it. Older children can be guided on how to look for the owner or notify an adult. Understanding these lessons promotes safety and responsible behaviour around unfamiliar animals.

9. Appreciating That All Dogs Are Different

Children must understand that every dog is an individual with unique personality, temperament, and preferences. What their own dog tolerates might not be true for others—even those of the same breed or appearance. Promoting this perspective reduces risk and nurtures empathy.

10. A Scared Dog Can Be Dangerous

A dog that is scared or nervous can be as much of a risk as an aggressive dog. Teaching children to recognise signs of fear such as cowering, trembling, or avoiding eye contact, and to keep a safe distance, helps prevent injuries caused by defensive bites or snapping.

Reinforcing these ten safety tips will help your children build respectful, safe, and happy relationships with dogs. Encouraging supervision, gentleness, and understanding benefits the well-being of all involved and forms a foundation of lifelong responsible pet ownership.

For those considering bringing a dog into the family, it is important to find your new companion responsibly. You can find puppies from reputable breeders or consider adoption through trusted shelters. Always choose a dog that matches your family’s lifestyle and needs to foster a safe and loving environment for your children and pet.