How should children behave around dogs?
Skye Lubowitz
2025-05-28 03:33:13
Count answers: 2
Children will develop an important and necessary understanding of safe and considerate behaviour around the dogs they know and live with, and those they may see out and about in the community. Our workshops focus on the theme of staying safe around dogs, and our supplementary resources help cover topics such as responsible dog ownership and building confidence around dogs. We help all children have safer interactions with dogs in different settings. Research conducted, tells us that the most at-risk in the UK for dog bites are primary school-aged children, when at home. So, we focus largely on safe behaviours around dogs in the home; but also, dogs of friends, family, and strangers when out and about. Our goal is to reach as many young people as possible and create a lasting impact. Our workshops are designed using behavioural science to help children behave in a safer way around all dogs. We offer a two-visit option for further learning, which includes an important additional topic - how to play safely with dogs.
Liam Grant
2025-05-28 00:52:35
Count answers: 1
Children should be actively supervised when they are around dogs, this also gives you an opportunity to remind them of how to behave and make sure that both children and dogs are safe and happy in each others company. Dogs should be left alone when they are eating, are chewing a toy, have puppies, are sleeping or resting, are in bed or under a chair or table, are sick or injured, trying to move away. Do not allow children and dogs to play chase or wrestling games – both are exciting and can easily get out hand and someone is likely to get hurt or upset. It’s also important that children are taught not to tease, poke, or sneak up and surprise dogs – this is likely to be very scary for them and may result in the dog behaving defensively. If a dog you don't know approaches you, stand still and do not make any noise. If you are carrying food or toys, drop them on the floor away from you. Keep your arms folded and look away from the dog. If you need to move away, do this slowly.
Madaline Prohaska
2025-05-27 23:27:34
Count answers: 5
Children tend to treat pet dogs as their peers, they hug them, try to cuddle them, pick them up and scold them.
Children express their affection for their family and friends through very close facial contact, often kissing.
Much of this is exactly the opposite to dog social behaviour and your dog may find it threatening.
Stay with your children around dogs – never leave your child alone in the same room as your dog, even your own.
Interact with dogs at the right times – teach your child not to approach dogs when they're eating or having a treat playing with a toy or something else they really like sleeping unwell, injured, or tired blind or deaf.
Be gentle – teach your child to be kind and polite to dogs.
Don't let your child climb on dogs, pull their ears or do anything you wouldn't allow them to do to another child.
Things to avoid: taking people’s food bothering dogs when they are eating stealing other people’s toys taking away a dog’s treats or toys putting your face right up to your dog’s face bothering your dog while they’re asleep bothering animals when they are resting.
grabbing dogs’ tails or ears climbing on or trampling on your dog hugging.
Most dogs dislike it screaming around people screaming and shouting around dogs.
Use your ‘inside’ voice instead
Cayla Gibson
2025-05-27 23:08:00
Count answers: 3
Children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, whether at home or out on a walk – regardless of the breed or how well they know them. Teach your children to respect your dog’s physical and emotional welfare. They shouldn’t tease your dog, pull their fur or tail, or take their food away from them. Children should never approach a sleeping, eating, unwell or tired dog. Teach them these simple rules to help keep your children safe: Always ask the owner before approaching, stroking or playing with a dog. Never rush up to a dog, be calm and make slow movements so you don’t frighten him. Hold out your hand and let him come to you. If he doesn’t want to come, leave him alone. Don’t stare directly into a dog’s eyes. If a dog growls at you or seems aggressive, stay calm and slowly walk away. If a dog is eating, drinking, sleeping or tied up, you should leave him alone.
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