What should children not do around dogs?

Children tend to treat pet dogs as their peers, they hug them, try to cuddle them, pick them up and scold them. Children – especially toddlers – are still quite clumsy and can inadvertently stand on feet, tug ears, hair or tail, fall on top of or otherwise hurt a dog. 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, 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. 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.

Children should not approach pets when they are eating, sleeping, unwell or tired. Do not let your child climb on them or pull their ears or tail. Remind your child not to shout when around animals. Never leave your child alone with a pet, even your own. Children are often running around, playing or shouting, and pets can find this behaviour overwhelming and threatening. Teach your child not to hug, kiss and be close to animals in a way that can cause pets to become worried or angry. Children’s behaviour can tire pets out, so allow them to have time to rest quietly. Stay with your child, it’s important that an adult supervises your toddler or child when they are around pets.

When a child encounters an unfamiliar dog, it is essential to prioritize safety and minimize the risk of potential accidents or dog bites. Never allow a child to approach an unfamiliar dog without first obtaining permission from the dog’s owner or handler. Running towards an unfamiliar dog can startle or provoke the dog, leading to an aggressive response. Teach your child not to reach out their hand suddenly to pet an unfamiliar dog. Avoid letting your child hug or kiss an unfamiliar dog. Instruct your child to maintain a respectful distance from the dog’s face. Children should avoid touching sensitive areas like the dog’s ears, tail or face, as this can be painful or irritating for the dog. Never allow your child to disturb any dog that is sleeping or eating. Loud noises can startle a dog and could lead to an aggressive reaction. If a dog is unaccompanied by its owner, your child should stay away. Teach your child that not all dogs are friendly or comfortable with strangers. Always supervise interactions between children of any age and dogs, whether the dog is known to be friendly or not.

Children – what to look for Sadly, it’s often things children do that increase the chance of a bite. Ask a child to stop if they’re doing something that could be worrying a dog and explain how it might be making the dog feel. Step in safely Intervene when you see anything unsafe, or if a dog or child looks uncomfortable. How children can behave safely around dogs, and the unsafe behaviours to look out for. Intervene when you see anything unsafe, or if a dog or child looks uncomfortable. Separate the children and dogs if anyone needs some space, or you are likely to be preoccupied or distracted. Ways to separate: Lure dogs away with treats or toys Give children and dogs games or activities to keep them busy separately. If a dog bite happens, separate the child and dog. It can be scary and upsetting but don’t punish the dog, this can make things worse for everyone involved. Most incidents between dogs and children don't need hospital treatment, but if anyone is. How to read and understand your dog’s body language. How children can behave safely around dogs, and the unsafe behaviours to look out for. You can find guidance on different aspects of children's behaviour on Action for Children's 'Parent Talk' advice hub: Understanding behaviour Using rules and rewards Challenging behaviour. We also offer free school workshops that focus on how to behave safely around dogs that help children understand how to the ‘pawfect’ friend to the dogs they share their lives with.

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. 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. 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. 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. Teach your children from day one that the dog is not a toy.

Never leave your child alone in the same room as a dog, even your own. Don't let your child climb on dogs, pull their ears or do anything you wouldn’t allow them to do to another child. Teach your child not to approach dogs when they’re: Eating or having a treat Have a toy or something else they really like Sleeping Unwell, injured or tired Blind or deaf. Don't allow your child to approach a dog they don’t know, such as when you’re out in the park. Teach your child to leave your dog alone when they’re in a private spot. Supervise your child when they’re with your dog – if your dog looks unhappy, let them go somewhere they feel safe and happy.