10 Essential Dog Safety Tips for Primary School Children

Whether your family has a dog or not, it's crucial to teach primary school-aged children how to behave safely and respectfully around dogs. Understanding dog behaviour and signals can keep children safe and help them enjoy positive experiences with dogs throughout life.

This guide shares ten essential tips every primary school child should know about dogs, covering how to approach, interact, and recognise important signs of comfort or stress in canine friends.

1. Always Ask Permission Before Approaching or Petting a Dog

Children should never approach or try to pet a dog without first asking the dog's owner or handler for permission. Owners understand their dog’s temperament and can advise if it’s safe to say hello. Respect their decision even if it’s a "no"—there’s always a good reason.

This step is the foundation of safe interactions and teaches children respect for the dog's boundaries and owner’s responsibility.

2. Let the Dog Sniff You First

When given permission, let the dog sniff your hand before touching them. Offer your hand slowly, held low and to the side, avoiding sudden movement or looming over the dog’s face to avoid startling them. This helps the dog feel comfortable and recognise you.

3. Approach and Pet Gently

Approach the dog calmly, from the side rather than head-on, to avoid appearing threatening. Speak in a soft, friendly tone and pet the dog gently from the shoulder towards the tail. Avoid patting the top of the dog’s head as many dogs find this unpleasant or intimidating.

4. Understand and Respect Dog Body Language

Teaching children to read canine signals is key to safety. Look beyond just tail wagging; assess the whole body:

• If the tail is wagging loosely and the dog approaches with a relaxed body and sniffing interest, it is usually safe to pet them.
• If the dog is stiff, hiding, tucking its tail, showing teeth, growling, or avoiding eye contact, give them space immediately.

Children should learn that the dog’s comfort matters more than their own desire to say hello.

5. Never Approach Unfamiliar Dogs Without Supervision

If a dog is loose, tied up, behind a fence, or the children don’t know the owner, they should not approach. Instead, tell an adult. Loose or unattended dogs can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

6. Don’t Disturb Dogs When Eating, Sleeping, or Caring for Puppies

Dogs can be protective of their food, resting time, or puppies. Children should be taught never to disturb dogs during these vulnerable moments, as this can provoke defensive biting.

7. Never Take Away a Dog’s Food, Treat, or Toy

Taking away a dog’s possession can cause stress and guarding behaviours. Children should be taught not to take food, toys, or treats from dogs, and to respect their space while the dog is enjoying these items.

8. Avoid Surprising or Sudden Movements Around Dogs

Children should not run, shout, or make sudden movements around dogs as these can startle or excite dogs to react unpredictably. Approaching a sleeping dog quietly is important as waking them suddenly may cause defensive behaviour.

9. Follow Owner’s Instructions and Don’t Encourage Bad Habits

Responsibility of training lies with the dog’s owner. Children should listen carefully to any instructions given by the owner regarding their dog’s behaviour and avoid encouraging jumping up, teasing, or rough play.

10. Remember Dogs Are Living Beings, Not Toys

Dogs have their own personalities, likes, dislikes, and feelings. Teach children to treat them with kindness and respect—never to pull ears, tails or tails, tease, or behave in ways that might distress or frighten the dog.

By learning these safety tips, children can build loving, respectful relationships with dogs. This knowledge also helps prevent dog bite incidents and fosters responsible pet ownership from an early age.

For families considering adding a dog to the household, it’s advisable to find reputable breeders or adoption centres to ensure healthy, well-socialised pets that suit your family’s lifestyle. Find puppies for sale safely and responsibly through accredited sources.