Whether your little one is a dog lover or a bit wary of wagging tails, chances are they’ll encounter a pup sooner rather than later. From neighborhood strolls to visits at Grandma’s, dogs are everywhere—leashed, unleashed, lounging under café tables, or working hard as service animals. That’s why experts agree: teaching kids how to safely interact with dogs is a must-do life skill for every family.
Start With the Basics: Doggy Dos and Don’ts
According to Aimee Hoflander, a dog handler and educator at Children’s Mercy Kansas City, it all starts with understanding boundaries—both human and canine. Her golden rules? Always ask permission before approaching or petting, never pet the top of a dog’s head, and keep your voice calm and your movements gentle. Oh, and don’t approach with snacks in hand.
Amanda Farah of Best Friends Animal Society puts it simply: if a dog moves or turns away, take the hint that the dog may not want the attention. Let dogs come to you—and never chase them down for cuddles.
Tiny Humans, Big Lessons
Kids as young as six months can begin learning safe behavior, says Jennifer Shryock, founder of Family Paws Parent Education. Use that early curiosity to your advantage by modeling how to wave or blow kisses to dogs from a distance. Toddlers love to mimic—so show them how to respect a pup’s space early on.
Parents should also keep a close eye on little grabby hands. Babies love to tug on fur, which might not go over well with a sensitive pooch.
Lead by Example (and Maybe Use a Stuffed Animal for Practice)
Elysia Ostrander of Family Paws recommends role-playing safe dog interactions with a stuffed toy. Teach kids to wave, not wander over and to pet softly with one hand—“one hand enough, two hands too rough.” She also suggests parents narrate what they see: “That dog has a waggy tail—he might want to say hi!” or “This pup is turning away—let’s give him space.”
Shryock takes it further with her “doggy detective” game. Encourage kids to spot signs like lip-licking, yawning, or tucked tails. These are all subtle cues that a dog’s not feeling the vibe.
Special Rules for Service Dogs
Service dogs might look cuddly, but they’re on the clock. Teach your child to admire these hardworking pups from a distance. If the dog’s wearing a vest or harness, that’s the animal equivalent of a “Do Not Disturb” sign
Supervision Is Non-Negotiable
Before the age of 4, even the sweetest kids aren’t developmentally ready to read a dog’s body language or reliably follow safety rules. Translation? Never leave toddlers alone with dogs—even your own.
Keeping in mind that along with supervision you need to ensure your child is not rousing the dogs negatively. No chasing dogs. No bear hugs. No loud screeches. These are quick ways to startle even the friendliest pup. And if a situation makes you uncomfortable (like a loose dog at the park), it’s perfectly OK to take a detour.
The Takeaway
Dog safety isn’t just the dog owner’s job—it’s a shared responsibility. “Just like we teach our kids not to run into traffic, we need to teach them how to be safe around dogs,” says Shryock.
After all, a well-informed kid can be a dog’s best friend—and keep everyone’s tails wagging safely.
