Kids & Dogs: Simple Tips to Make Their Bond Safe and Happy

Research has shown that children who grow up around dogs often benefit both physically and emotionally. Taking care of a dog can teach kids about responsibility—and if someday they have to say goodbye to their furry friend, it can help them learn to cope with loss.
Plus, dogs can be loyal companions, playmates, and even a source of comfort when kids feel stressed or unwell.

On the flip side, there are rare but unfortunate cases where children end up getting hurt by dogs—whether it’s their own pet or someone else’s. Even if you specifically pick a “kid-friendly” breed, there’s no absolute zero-risk scenario. The good news is: by following a few simple tips (and giving both kids and dogs some healthy boundaries), most accidents are totally avoidable.

1. Don’t Leave Kids & Dogs Alone Unattended

It might only take a split second for things to get out of hand. If there’s no adult around to keep an eye on them, a minor mishap can quickly escalate into something serious.

2. Respect Each Other’s “Personal Space”

Just like people, dogs need a bit of space sometimes. Teach your kids to invite the dog over—if the dog doesn’t come, that’s fine.
Also, never let kids bug a dog while it’s sleeping or eating, and if it’s a dog you don’t know, ask the owner before you say hi.

3. Not Every Dog Tolerates the Same Stuff

Perhaps your family pet puts up with all kinds of rowdy behavior, but a friend’s dog (or a dog in the park) might not. Even famously gentle breeds have limits. If a dog is poked or jumped on one too many times, it may respond with a snap or bite.

4. Teach Kids Basic Dog Body Language

A wagging tail doesn’t always mean “I’m happy!”—it can also mean “I’m on high alert.” Pay attention to how the dog’s ears look, their posture, whether they’re panting nervously, or if their hackles are raised. If your child can recognize when a dog is uneasy, they can avoid stepping into dangerous territory.

5. Avoid Direct Eye Contact

Dogs often interpret a stare as a challenge or invitation. If your kid’s curious gaze is too intense, a dog might get defensive or overly excited. For children who are scared of dogs, advise them to softly look away instead of locking eyes.

6. Don’t Ignore Growling

If a dog growls, that’s its way of saying, “Back off, or I might bite!” Tell your child to calmly step away and not push the dog any further.

7. No Teasing with Toys or Food

Teasing a dog—waving treats, snatching them away at the last second, etc.—can eventually lead to frustration or aggression. If your kids have precious toys they’d hate to see chewed up, the simplest fix is to keep those items out of the dog’s reach.

8. Stay Calm and De-Escalate

If kids and dogs start getting too wild, gently intervene. Shouting or freaking out will only increase the dog’s excitement or stress. If the dog is repeatedly chasing its tail or showing odd stress behaviors, don’t encourage it as a “funny trick”—it might actually signal anxiety or boredom that needs addressing.

Final Note

By taking these small precautions and having a basic understanding of dog behavior, most unfortunate incidents can be prevented. Kids and dogs can then enjoy a wonderful friendship that might last a lifetime. (And honestly, the same advice often applies to us grown-ups, too!)