Dogs and children

How to help children stay safe around dogs at home and out on walks

Derek Chambers is an affiliate member of Kids Around Dogs

If you have children and dogs in the same home, or your child regularly meets dogs when you are out, safety matters.

That does not mean children and dogs cannot have a lovely relationship.

They often do.

But it does mean adults need to set things up properly.

Dogs and children communicate very differently. Children can be noisy, quick, wobbly and unpredictable. Dogs can find it hard to read. The RSPCA advises never leaving children alone with dogs, teaching children not to approach dogs at inappropriate times, and ensuring dogs can move away if they need space. (RSPCA)

In my experience, the biggest problems do not usually come from “bad dogs” or “bad kids”. They come from situations getting too much, too quickly.

Keeping things calm, supervised and predictable makes a huge difference.

Why dogs and children can misunderstand each other

Children often show affection in ways that dogs may not enjoy.

That can include:

• hugging
• kissing
• putting faces close to the dog
• grabbing toys
• climbing over them
• shouting or squealing nearby

The RSPCA notes that such close, intense interactions can feel threatening to dogs, especially toddlers and younger children who are still clumsy and impulsive. It also advises against bothering dogs when they are eating, sleeping, unwell or trying to rest.

That is why even a gentle family dog still needs boundaries.

The most important rule

Never leave children and dogs unsupervised.

That applies to:

• babies
• toddlers
• children who “know the dog well”
• calm, friendly dogs
• older dogs

The RSPCA is very clear on this point. Even your own dog should not be left alone with a child in the same room.

This is not about assuming the worst. It is about understanding how quickly things can change.

A tired dog. A child falling over. A hand near food. A sudden scream.

That is sometimes all it takes.

Teach children when not to approach a dog

This is one of the easiest ways to reduce risk.

Children should not approach a dog when the dog is:

• eating
• chewing a treat
• playing with a favourite toy
• sleeping
• resting
• injured
• unwell
• hiding away
• looking worried or uncomfortable

These are all situations t when dogs should be left alone.

A simple rule that works well is:

If the dog is busy, resting, or moving away, leave them alone.

What children should do instead

If a child wants to interact with a dog, I would keep it simple.

Teach them to:

• speak quietly
• move slowly
• let the dog come closer first
• stroke gently on the shoulder or chest if the dog is happy
• stop if the dog moves away

That is much more useful than telling children to “be nice”, because it gives them something clear to do.

Give your dog a proper, safe space

Dogs need somewhere they can go where children do not follow them.

The RSPCA recommends giving dogs a quiet, comfortable place where they can have a break and teaching children to leave them alone there. (RSPCA)

That might be:

• a bed in a quiet corner
• an open crate
• a mat in another room
• a gated space

The key thing is that it really is the dog’s space.

Not somewhere a child is allowed to crawl into “for a cuddle”.

Babies, toddlers and older children

Different ages bring different issues.

Babies

Babies do not understand boundaries, so all management falls on the adults.

If you are bringing home a baby, it is important to prepare your dog in advance for changes to routine and equipment, and to give them a calm place to settle.

Toddlers

Toddlers are often the hardest age group around dogs, and dogs find them hard to work out

This is because they move quickly, fall over, grab anything near, including the dog, shriek and do not yet understand what a dog is telling them.

This is where supervision and physical separation matter most.

School-age children

Older children can start to learn proper dog manners.

They can understand things like:

• not disturbing a dog when resting
• not taking toys or food
• not crowding a dog
• leaving a dog alone when it walks away

They can also learn the basics of dog body language.

Signs a dog needs space

Children do not need to become experts in behaviour, but adults should know the common signs that a dog is uncomfortable.

That may include:

• moving away
• turning the head away
• lip licking
• yawning when not tired
• freezing
• stiffening
• growling

If a dog growls, take it seriously. The growl is useful information. It is the dog asking for space. Punishing the growl does not solve the discomfort underneath it.

Let the dog retreat to a safe, calm place or maybe even go for a decompression walk

What about dogs your child meets outside?

Children also need guidance around unfamiliar dogs.

The general rule is that kids and adults, when greeting a dog, should not approach dogs they do not know without asking permission first from both the owner and, more importantly, the dog

That is a good baseline rule.

I would teach children to:

• ask the owner first
• stay still unless invited closer
• not run up to dogs
• not squeal around dogs
• not stare into a dog’s face
• walk away calmly if told no

This is especially important in places like Coldfall Woods or Cherry Tree Wood, where children may suddenly come around a bend or onto a path.

If your own dog is nervous around children

Some dogs cope well with children.

Some do not.

That is not unusual, and it does not make them a bad dog.

If your dog is:

• worried by fast movement
• unsettled by noise
• reactive when startled
• guarding food or toys
• struggling to settle in a family setting

Then management comes first.

That may mean:

• using baby gates, such as a 180cm high mesh dog and baby gate
• separating the dog and child at busy times
• supervising all contact
• not expecting the dog to “get used to it” on their own

If that sounds familiar, a calmer one-to-one approach usually helps more than trying to push the dog through it. You can read more about that here: Rescue Dog Support Page

If you are thinking about getting a dog and have children

It is worth being realistic.

Not every dog suits every home.

That is especially true with very young children.

Temperament, history, age, health and your day-to-day routine all matter.

Some rescue dogs are wonderful with children. Some are not. Matching matters more than good intentions.

If you are already living with a dog who needs slower, calmer support, this page may also be helpful: Solo Dog Walks Page

Quick checklist

If you want the short version, focus on these:

• never leave children and dogs unsupervised
• teach children not to bother dogs when eating, sleeping or resting
• give your dog a child-free safe space
• stop hugging, climbing and face-to-face contact
• teach children to stay calm around unfamiliar dogs
• take growling and avoidance seriously
• manage first, then build calm habits slowly

Related guides

You may also find these helpful:

• Rescue Dog Support Page
• Solo Dog Walks
• Dog & Cat Care Guides
• Dog Staycation Packing List
• Download Be Like a Stature and other resources from Kids Around Dogs

Final thoughts

Children and dogs can do very well together.

But it works best when adults stay realistic, supervise properly, and respect the dog’s need for space.

Most problems are preventable.

Calm routines, clear boundaries and simple rules go a long way.

If your dog needs a more thoughtful, one-to-one approach at home or on walks, you’re welcome to get in touch.

FAQ

Updated April 2026

Disclaimer

This guide is for general information and does not replace individual behavioural or veterinary advice. If your dog is showing signs of fear, stress, or aggression around children, it is worth speaking to a qualified professional and, where appropriate, your vet.

Related post: Promoting safe and respectful interactions