Safety Tips for Kids and Dogs

Why kid + dog safety rules matter

Even friendly dogs can bite if they feel scared, surprised, cornered, or overwhelmed. Children are often eye-level with dogs, move quickly, and may stare or hug—behaviors that can make a dog uncomfortable. The goal is simple: teach kids how to be calm, predictable, and respectful, and teach dogs that kids are safe to be around.

Before petting any dog: always ask

• Ask the owner first if it’s okay to pet the dog.
• Approach from the front or side, not from behind.
• Keep hands low, move slowly, and speak softly.
• If the dog backs away, hides, or looks uncomfortable—stop and give space.

The “no face-to-face” rule

Many bites happen when a child’s face is close to a dog’s face. Even a well-trained dog can react if startled, in pain, guarding, or simply uncomfortable.

• No kissing a dog.
• No putting your face close to a dog’s face.
• No hugging unfamiliar dogs. With your own dog, only gentle affection if the dog clearly enjoys it.
• If you want to show love, use a calm voice, gentle petting on the side or chest, and give space.

Hands off during the “big three”: eating, sleeping, and illness

Dogs deserve peace when they’re eating, sleeping, or not feeling well. Many bites happen when a dog is startled or feels defensive around food or pain.

• Let a dog eat in peace. Don’t reach into bowls or hover over food.
• Don’t bother a sleeping dog. Wake-ups can cause a fear reaction.
• If a dog is sick or injured, give extra space and contact an adult.

“Be a Tree” / “Be a Rock” (what kids should do if a dog approaches)

If a dog runs up, jumps, or gets too excited, kids should avoid squealing, waving arms, or running away. These can trigger chasing. Instead, teach these two simple strategies:

Toys and games: choose safer activities

Adult-only tasks (kids should not do these)

To reduce risk, certain interactions should always be handled by an adult—especially with new dogs, large dogs, or visiting dogs.

• Feeding dogs and handling food bowls
• Taking high-value toys/chews away from a dog
• Leashing/unleashing a dog or holding a leash outdoors
• Breaking up dog conflicts or stepping between dogs
• Reaching into crates, cars, fences, or kennels where a dog may feel territorial

Respect space and territory

Dogs naturally protect their space. A hand through a fence, a reach into a car window, or cornering a dog can trigger defensive behavior.

• Don’t stick hands into a dog’s crate, pen, kennel, or fence area.
• Don’t reach into a car window where a dog is sitting.
• Never corner a dog. Always leave a clear exit route.

Learn the warning signs (body language)

Most dogs give warnings before a bite. Teach kids to pause and get an adult if they see:

• Growling, snarling, showing teeth, or intense barking
• Stiff body, frozen posture, “hard stare”
• Ears pinned back, tail held high and stiff, raised hackles
• Backing away, hiding, or trying to escape

If a dog looks tense: stay calm, don’t scream, don’t run, don’t stare into the dog’s eyes. Slowly step away and get an adult.

Never try to break up a dog fight

Children should never attempt to stop a dog fight. It’s easy to get bitten by accident. Get an adult immediately. Adults can use safe methods like barriers, loud interruption, or a hose—without putting hands in danger.

House rules that help everyone

• Children should not hug unfamiliar dogs.
• With your own dog, hugs should be gentle—and only if the dog clearly tolerates it.
• No hitting, teasing, screaming in a dog’s face, or grabbing ears/tail.
• When friends visit, introduce them to the dog and explain the house rules.