Children and Dogs in Summer: How to Keep Everyone Safe

Updated August 2026

The summer holidays change our parks, pavements and homes.

There are more children playing outside, more footballs and scooters, more picnics, more visiting families and often much more noise.

Most dogs and children can share these spaces perfectly happily. The important thing is not to assume that every dog wants to meet every child, or that a normally tolerant family dog will enjoy unlimited attention all day.

I have walked dogs professionally in Finchley and North London since 2011. During the school holidays, I notice that familiar walking routes can suddenly become much busier and less predictable.

A little space, supervision and understanding of dog body language can prevent many problems before they start.

For wider warm-weather advice, including heat, hot pavements and exercise, read my Summer Dog Safety Guide.

The quick answer

The safest approach to children and dogs is simple.

Adults need to supervise.

Children need to learn that dogs are living animals rather than toys.

Dogs need somewhere they can move away and rest without being followed.

When you meet an unfamiliar dog outside, ask the person handling the dog before approaching. If the answer is no, accept it without taking it personally.

The RSPCA’s guidance on children and dogs advises that children should not be left alone with dogs and should give them space when they are eating, sleeping, resting, unwell or enjoying something important to them.

Dogs Trust gives similar advice and emphasises choice, supervision and recognising the quieter body-language signals a dog may show before escalating to a growl or bite. Read Dogs Trust advice on dog and child safety.

Why summer can be more difficult for some dogs

The dog has not read the school calendar.

Their normal Tuesday morning walk may suddenly contain:

• children running
• footballs
• scooters
• bicycles
• picnics
• pushchairs
• shouting
• groups sitting across paths
• more off-lead dogs
• people approaching to say hello

A confident, sociable dog may take much of this in their stride.

A nervous, elderly, newly rescued or reactive dog may not.

Even a dog who normally enjoys children can become tired or overwhelmed when there is more activity than usual.

This is why I do not automatically continue along my usual route simply because that is where I intended to walk.

If Cherry Tree Wood, Victoria Park or another familiar local space is unusually busy, I may change direction, use quieter streets or give a dog much more distance.

My Dog Walking Safety Tips explains more about changing the walk when the environment changes.

Please ask before your child strokes a dog

A dog in a public place is not automatically available for interaction.

Some dogs:

• love meeting children
• tolerate brief greetings
• prefer adults
• dislike being touched by strangers
• are nervous around children
• are recovering from illness or surgery
• are in pain
• are elderly
• are newly rescued
• are working on calm behaviour
• simply do not want to say hello

None of these makes the dog bad.

If your child would like to greet a dog, ask the person handling them first.

And importantly, listen to the answer.

If someone says:

“No, sorry, she needs some space.”

that should be the end of the interaction.

They do not owe anybody a detailed explanation.

My guide to How to Greet a Dog Properly Without Causing Stress explains how to make greetings much less intimidating for the dog.

Let the dog make the final choice

Permission from the owner does not necessarily mean the child should immediately reach towards the dog.

Give the dog a choice too.

A calmer greeting is usually:

1. Ask the handler first.
2. Stay relatively still.
3. Allow the dog to approach if they want to.
4. Avoid pushing a hand towards the dog’s face.
5. Stroke gently around the shoulder or chest if the dog remains comfortable.
6. Stop after a few seconds.
7. See whether the dog chooses to continue the interaction.

If the dog moves away, let them.

Do not follow them for another stroke.

Choice is particularly important for nervous dogs.

Dogs Trust recommends allowing dogs the opportunity to move away rather than forcing affection. Its dog and child advice also points out that hugs and kisses can make some dogs feel trapped or worried.

You can read more about that in my guide to Dog Boundaries and Consent.

A wagging tail does not automatically mean “come and stroke me”

This is one of the most useful things children can learn.

A tail wag is movement.

It is not a complete emotional diagnosis.

You need to look at the whole dog.

A comfortable dog may have:

• loose muscles
• relaxed movement
• soft facial features
• a comfortable mouth
• the ability to move towards and away from you

A dog who is becoming uncomfortable may:

• turn their head away
• move backwards
• lick their lips
• yawn when they are not tired
• become very still
• lower their body
• tuck their tail
• close their mouth suddenly
• avoid eye contact
• show the whites of their eyes
• repeatedly try to leave
• hide behind their person
• growl

The important point is not to memorise one signal and diagnose every dog from it.

Look for changes in the whole dog and the situation around them.

Dogs Trust describes these early signals as the dog’s quieter “whispers”. Responding to them early can prevent the dog from needing to communicate more strongly.

For a wider explanation, visit my Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub.

Never punish a dog for moving away

Moving away is useful communication.

If a dog gets up and leaves when a child approaches, allow them to go.

Do not:

• call the dog back for another cuddle
• let the child follow them
• corner them
• drag them back
• hold them still
• tell the dog off

The dog has solved the situation peacefully by creating distance.

That is a good outcome.

Growling is information

Adults understandably become worried when a dog growls at a child.

Take it seriously.

Create distance.

Separate the child and dog safely.

Then consider why the dog felt the need to growl.

Do not punish the growl simply because you dislike the sound.

A growl may mean:

“I am uncomfortable.”

“Please stop.”

“I need more space.”

“That hurts.”

“I am frightened.”

If we punish the warning without addressing the reason behind it, we have not necessarily made the situation safer.

Repeated growling around children needs proper attention. Speak to your vet where pain or illness could be involved and seek suitably qualified behaviour support where necessary.

Children and the family dog still need supervision

Most problems involving children and dogs do not happen because somebody deliberately did something cruel.

They happen quickly.

A child falls against a sleeping dog.

A toddler grabs a tail.

A child tries to retrieve their biscuit.

A dog has had enough of being cuddled.

A child follows a dog into its bed.

A dog picks up a toy and the child tries to take it.

This is why “they’ve grown up together” is not a substitute for supervision.

The RSPCA advises never leaving a young child alone with a dog, including the family dog.

Blue Cross also recommends active adult supervision and physical separation when you cannot provide proper supervision. Read its guidance on keeping dogs and visiting children safe.

Give your dog somewhere children cannot follow

A dog’s bed, crate where appropriately and positively used, gated room or quiet resting area can provide somewhere to switch off.

Children need to know that when the dog goes there, they leave them alone.

The same applies when the dog is:

• asleep
• resting
• eating
• chewing
• unwell
• injured
• tired
• deliberately moving away

A quiet space is not a punishment.

It can make family life easier for everybody.

Dogs need rest during busy family days

Summer holidays can completely change a dog’s routine.

Perhaps the house normally becomes quiet after the school run.

Now children are home all day.

Friends visit.

Doors open and close.

People are in the garden.

There are toys everywhere.

The television is on.

Someone constantly wants to play.

Some dogs love the activity.

Others become exhausted.

And tired dogs can become less tolerant.

Give your dog opportunities to sleep and rest without interruption.

You do not need to include your dog in every moment of every family day.

Avoid hugging unfamiliar dogs

Humans hug because we enjoy it.

Dogs do not necessarily interpret it in the same way.

Wrapping arms around a dog can restrict their movement and make it difficult for them to leave.

Some family dogs learn to tolerate hugs.

That does not mean they enjoy them.

And it certainly does not mean an unfamiliar dog will.

For children, I would keep the rule simple.

Do not hug dogs you meet outside.

Even with your own dog, watch their response and give them the choice to move away.

What if a dog approaches a frightened child?

Not every child likes dogs.

Some are genuinely frightened of them.

Please do not tell a scared child:

“He’s friendly.”

“He only wants to play.”

“He won’t hurt you.”

That does not make the fear disappear.

If you are handling the dog, call them back and create space.

If an unfamiliar loose dog approaches your child, encourage them not to scream, wave their arms, or run if they can safely avoid doing so.

Blue Cross advises standing still, remaining quiet, folding the arms and looking away from an unfamiliar approaching dog. If you need to move away, do so slowly. Read the full Blue Cross guidance on staying safe around dogs.

An adult should intervene and seek the dog’s handler where possible.

No technique guarantees what an unfamiliar dog will do, so the priority is always creating safe distance when you can.

What if a dog knocks a child over?

If a dog is approaching in an overexcited way, adults should try to intervene before contact.

If somebody is knocked to the ground and a dog continues jumping or behaving threateningly, Blue Cross advises curling into a ball, keeping still and covering the face and head with the hands.

Once the situation is safe, check the child for injuries and seek appropriate medical attention where necessary.

Any dog bite that breaks the skin should be taken seriously.

Teach children not to run towards dogs on leads

This is particularly relevant during the school holidays.

A child sees a dog.

They love dogs.

They run over shouting:

“DOGGY!”

From the child’s point of view, this is excitement.

From the dog’s point of view, a small unfamiliar human is rapidly running straight towards them.

Some dogs will be delighted.

Others may become frightened.

Teach children to slow down, stop at a sensible distance and ask first.

A dog on a lead may need extra space

There are many reasons a dog may be walking on a lead.

They may:

• have poor recall
• be nervous
• be reactive
• be recovering from surgery
• be elderly
• be in season
• be near a road
• need controlled exercise
• simply be following the rules of that location

A lead does not mean the dog is dangerous.

But it does mean the dog cannot freely move away.

If you see somebody deliberately creating distance with a dog, help them.

Give them room rather than closing the gap.

This is particularly important for the nervous and reactive dogs I walk.

My Reactive and Nervous Dog Walking in Finchley service explains why I sometimes cross roads, change routes or pause to let other people pass.

Footballs, scooters and running children

Some dogs are strongly attracted to movement.

A football rolling across the path can trigger:

• excitement
• chasing
• barking
• grabbing
• frustration

Scooters and running children can have a similar effect.

If your dog struggles with movement, do not use a busy play area as a test.

Create more distance.

Use another route.

Practise calm behaviour somewhere easier.

Then, if appropriate, gradually work at distances your dog can cope with.

My guide to Staying Safe Around Dogs covers public spaces, narrow paths and recognising when a dog needs more room.

Summer picnics bring another problem: food

Children, food and dogs can be a difficult combination.

Food is often carried at dog height.

Crumbs fall.

Sandwiches get abandoned.

A child walks around holding a sausage.

Someone puts a picnic bag on the grass.

Expecting a hungry dog to ignore everything while repeatedly telling them off is not a great plan.

Use management.

Ask children to eat while sitting down where practical.

Keep bags closed.

Do not encourage children to tease a dog with food.

Do not allow children to take food out of a dog’s mouth.

And remember that some human foods are unsafe for dogs.

My Dogs and Picnics: Keeping Your Pet Safe guide covers picnic food, rubbish, heat and busy parks in more detail.

Do not ask children to take things from a dog

If a dog has:

• food
• a chew
• a stolen item
• a toy

do not send a child to retrieve it.

An adult should manage the situation.

Children should also be taught not to deliberately take toys or food from dogs as a game.

If your dog repeatedly guards food or objects, seek useful professional advice rather than turning it into a confrontation.

Summer heat changes how dogs behave too

Dog and child safety is not only about bites and greetings.

Hot weather matters.

A dog who is already too warm may be less interested in:

• playing
• being stroked
• running
• being followed
• joining family activities

Children can understandably want the dog involved in every garden game.

But repeated ball throwing, chasing or running around in warm weather can place unnecessary physical strain on the dog.

Do not use energetic play to “wear the dog out” on a hot day.

Give them shade, fresh water and somewhere cool to rest.

For detailed advice, read my Summer Dog Safety Guide: Hot Weather, Walks and Heatstroke.

Let sleeping dogs lie

The old saying is useful.

Do not disturb a sleeping dog simply because a child wants to stroke them.

Being suddenly touched while asleep can startle any animal.

This is particularly important for:

• older dogs
• deaf dogs
• dogs with poor eyesight
• dogs in pain
• nervous dogs
• newly rescued dogs
• exhausted puppies

Call the dog if you need them.

Give them time to wake properly.

Do not allow children to climb onto a sleeping dog.

Puppies and children need careful management

Puppies and children can be wonderful together.

They can also wind each other up spectacularly.

A puppy may:

• chase running feet
• grab clothes
• mouth hands
• steal toys
• become overexcited
• jump
• nip when tired

The answer is not to assume the puppy is aggressive or that the child has done something wrong.

Often both simply need help from an adult.

Short interactions, calm games, regular puppy rest and sensible separation can prevent things from becoming frantic.

My Bringing a Puppy Home Guide has more on managing a young puppy’s routine and environment.

Do not make children responsible for supervising the dog

Children can help.

They can:

• refill a water bowl with an adult
• scatter treats for a search game
• help prepare enrichment
• practise simple reward-based skills with supervision
• learn about body language
• help check that gates are closed

But the adult remains responsible.

A young child should not be expected to manage:

• an approaching loose dog
• a reactive dog
• resource guarding
• a dog fight
• a strong dog pulling
• a dog showing threatening behaviour
• emergency first aid

Teaching responsibility is useful.

Transferring adult responsibility to a child is not.

What if your dog is worried by children?

Do not force them to meet children in the hope that they will “get used to it”.

Instead, begin by reducing pressure.

You might:

• walk at quieter times
• use wider paths
• avoid playground entrances at busy times
• create more distance
• allow the dog to observe from somewhere comfortable
• reward calm choices
• leave before the dog becomes overwhelmed
• provide quiet time at home when children visit

Watch the dog’s body language.

If reactions are frequent, severe, or worsening, speak to your vet and seek appropriately qualified behaviour support.

My Threshold Signs guide explains how I recognise when a dog is beginning to struggle before barking or lunging starts.

What if visiting children are coming to your home?

Plan before the doorbell rings.

Consider:

• where your dog will be when visitors arrive
• whether they need a lead initially
• whether a stair gate would help
• where the dog can retreat
• where children will eat
• where toys and chews will be used
• whether the dog is actually comfortable with visiting children

Do not force the dog into the middle of the room for introductions.

Some dogs settle much better when they can observe from a comfortable distance first.

If the dog chooses to go away, let them.

Adults need to notice when excitement is building

Do not wait until either the child or dog has completely lost control of the situation.

Step in earlier.

Perhaps the child is becoming louder.

The dog is jumping more.

The game is getting faster.

The puppy is biting harder.

The dog’s movements are becoming tense.

That is the point to stop.

Give everyone a break.

Safety often comes from noticing small changes rather than reacting to big incidents.

My approach when I am walking dogs during the school holidays

Summer walking requires flexibility.

A route I used yesterday may be completely different today.

There might be a football match.

A holiday club.

A picnic.

A large group of children.

Or a normally quiet green may simply be packed.

When I am walking one dog at a time, I can adapt.

I may:

• cross the road
• wait for a group to pass
• change direction
• use a quieter side street
• avoid a busy park entrance
• shorten the route
• spend more time sniffing somewhere calmer

I do not need to push a dog through a crowded space just to complete a predetermined route.

That is one of the advantages of my Solo Dog Walking service.

One dog.

One household.

One familiar person.

The walk can be adapted to the dog in front of me.

Five simple rules I would teach every child

If I were reducing this entire guide to five lessons, they would be:

Ask first.
Never assume an unfamiliar dog wants to be touched.

Let the dog choose.
Do not chase or follow a dog that moves away.

Leave busy dogs alone.
Do not approach when they are eating, sleeping, chewing or resting.

Be calm.
Avoid running directly at dogs, screaming close to them or hugging unfamiliar dogs.

Tell an adult.
If a dog worries you, has something it should not have or starts behaving strangely, get an adult rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Those rules are simple enough for children to remember and useful enough for adults to follow too.

Frequently asked questions

Should children be allowed to stroke dogs they meet in the park?

Only after asking the person responsible for the dog and with appropriate adult supervision. Even after permission is given, allow the dog to choose whether to approach.

Should a child hold their hand out for a dog to sniff?

I would not push a hand towards an unfamiliar dog’s face. If the handler says a greeting is appropriate, stay calm and allow the dog to approach in their own time.

Is a wagging tail a sign that a dog is friendly?

Not by itself. Look at the whole body and the situation. Dogs can wag when excited, uncertain or tense as well as when relaxed.

Is it safe for children to hug dogs?

I would avoid encouraging children to hug unfamiliar dogs. Hugs can restrict a dog’s movement and some dogs find them uncomfortable.

Can I leave my child alone with our family dog?

No. Young children and dogs should be actively supervised. If you cannot supervise, separate them safely.

What should a child do if an unfamiliar dog runs towards them?

Where possible, stay still and quiet rather than running or screaming. Blue Cross recommends folding the arms and looking away. An adult should intervene and create distance where possible.

What if my child is frightened of dogs?

Do not force interactions. Give your child distance and let them build confidence at their own pace. Dog owners should also recall their dogs and respect people who do not want contact.

What if my dog growls at my child?

Separate them calmly and take the growl seriously. Do not simply punish the warning. Consider what caused the dog to feel uncomfortable and seek veterinary or qualified behavioural advice where necessary.

Should children take toys or food from a dog?

No. Teach children to leave dogs alone when they are eating, chewing or enjoying something valuable.

Is it safe for children to walk the family dog?

It depends on the child’s age, the dog’s size, strength and behaviour, the environment and whether a responsible adult remains in control. An adult should not hand responsibility for a difficult or reactive dog to a child.

My dog loves children. Do I still need to supervise?

Yes. Even very tolerant dogs can become tired, startled, hurt or overwhelmed.

Is summer particularly difficult for reactive dogs?

It can be. Parks and pavements may become much busier during the school holidays, with extra movement, noise, balls, scooters and unfamiliar people. Quieter routes and additional distance may help.

Related guides

For more practical advice, continue with:

Staying Safe Around Dogs in Finchley

How to Greet a Dog Properly Without Causing Stress

Dog Behaviour and Body Language Hub

Dog Boundaries and Consent

Summer Dog Safety Guide

Dogs and Picnics: Keeping Your Pet Safe

Dog Walking Safety Tips

Reactive and Nervous Dog Walking in Finchley

Need calmer one-to-one walks during busy periods?

Some dogs find the school holidays more difficult than their owners expect.

Routes become busier.

There are more dogs, children, scooters, footballs and sudden movement.

If your dog is happier with individual care rather than a group walk, you can read about my Solo Dog Walks in Finchley.

For dogs who need extra space because they are nervous, reactive or newly rescued, see my Rescue Dog Support in Finchley.

I work with one household at a time and adapt the route, pace and environment to the individual dog.

Final thought

Children do not need to be frightened of dogs.

And dogs do not need to be frightened of children.

What both need is adults who pay attention.

Ask before approaching.

Give dogs the choice to move away.

Teach children not to disturb dogs who are eating or resting.

Watch body language.

Create distance before things become difficult.

And during hot or busy summer days, remember that your dog does not have to join every activity.

Sometimes the best thing you can give a dog is simply a little more space.

Important safety note

This guide provides general dog and child safety information. It cannot assess an individual dog’s behaviour or predict whether a particular interaction is safe.

If your dog’s behaviour around children changes suddenly, pai or illness may be involved, so contact your veterinary practice.

If your dog shows repeated fear, growling, snapping, guarding or aggressive behaviour around children, use safe separation and seek individual advice from your vet and an appropriately qualified behaviour professional.