Dogs and Kids: 11 Rules Every Child Should Know

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 15
6 min read

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, children are the most common victims of dog bites. What’s worse is that kids are more likely to be severely injured by a dog.

Whether you're bringing a new dog into your home or your child will be spending time around dogs elsewhere, it’s your job as the adult to teach them how to interact safely and respectfully. It’s not up to the dog to “just deal with it.”

A dog is a dog, no matter how gentle or sweet. With that in mind, here are 10 non-negotiable rules that every child should learn about being around dogs.

1. Not All Dogs Are Friendly

Most dogs are adorable. Some may even look friendly. However, kids need to understand that just because a dog looks cute or social doesn’t mean they are actually friendly.

Like people, some dogs are shy, scared, or just not in the mood. Kids need to understand that appearances can be deceiving. Whether it's their own dog or one they see on the street, they should not assume a dog wants to interact with them.

Make sure that your kids also understand that even if a dog is wagging their tail, that doesn’t mean the dog is friendly and wants to engage. Some tail wags can indicate nervousness.

If your child doesn’t know the difference, it can create a dangerous situation.

2. Every Dog is Capable of Biting

This is a hard reality, even for most adults.

Just like people, dogs have their limits. While dogs may give warning signs of their discomfort, like growling, lip licking, showing their teeth, or whale eye, they cannot verbalize that whoever is engaging with them should back up.

If you and your kids don’t know the warning signs, it could be dangerous.

Kids should never assume that, even if a dog is friendly, it’s not capable of biting.

Learn More: Dog Bite Prevention

3. Always Ask an Adult Before Approaching a New Dog

While this doesn’t always apply to the dogs in your home, it does apply to the dogs outside your home.

This rule should become second nature. Kids need to check in with two adults: their parents and the dog’s owner. If either one says “no,” it’s a no-go.

Even a friendly dog may not be up for social time if they're feeling unwell, overwhelmed, or protective. So, make sure your kids understand that "no" means "no" and respects the boundaries the adults make when it comes to dog interactions.

Learn More: How To Safely Introduce Your New Dog to Your Kids

4. Don’t Bother a Dog When They Are Eating or Drinking

A great question to ask your kids is how they would feel if someone stuck their hand in their spaghetti dinner while they were still eating or if someone took away their juice box before they finished.

Chances are your child will say they wouldn’t be too happy about someone messing with their dinner or taking away their juice prematurely. Let them know that the same concept applies to dogs.

Ultimately, this one’s about basic respect and safety. Dogs can get startled or defensive, and that’s how bites happen.

Create a rule: when the dog is at their bowl, give them space.

5. Don’t Try To Take Toys or Treats

Another good question to ask your kids is if they would like it if someone took their favorite toy from them or took away their ice cream cone before they finished it. Chances are your children will say they would be sad or mad.

Then, tell them that a dog feels the same way about their toys, treats, and chew bones.

Some dogs can be possessive, and trying to grab a favorite toy or treat could be seen as a challenge. Even the calmest pup might react if they feel threatened.

Instead, teach kids to wait for an adult to take the item if needed. You can also work with your dog on the “out” or “drop/leave it” command to help your kids be able to safely take items from them.

6. Leave Dogs Alone in Their Crate or Bed

There's a reason for the saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie."

Crates and beds are safe spaces for dogs, and some dogs will even go to those spaces voluntarily when they need a break. Make sure your child knows that your dog’s crate and bed is a “do not disturb” zone.

Your kids need to understand that if your dog is tucked into their crate or resting on their bed, they’re off-limits. Let them rest, recharge, and feel secure. They should never be startled awake because they might bite.

7. Don’t Hit or Pull on Dogs

This should go without saying, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. No pulling on a dog’s ears, tails, legs, or fur. And definitely no hitting or roughhousing.

Dogs don’t understand play the same way we do, and physical behavior can quickly be misinterpreted as a threat that could result in a bite.

Ask your child if you’d like it if someone hit them or pulled their hair. We’d be willing to bet the answer is no. Explain to them that it’s the same for dogs.

If your kids do not understand or respect this rule, they should not be around dogs. Period.

8. A Dog Is Not a Horse or a Jungle Gym

This one is pretty simple, but we've seen far too many Instagram reels of kids climbing on or riding dogs. Not only does it make us nervous, but it's also kind of infuriating.

Dogs do NOT want to be ridden or climbed on. Ever. Not only is it unsafe for your child (and likely to result in a fall or bite), but it can physically hurt the dog.

It doesn’t matter how big your dog is. Don’t let your kids ride them like a horse or climb on them like a piece of play equipment.

9. Skip the Hugs and Kisses

We get it. Dogs are adorable, and kids want to show affection. But while some dogs tolerate hugs or kisses, most don’t like them.

The reality is that many bites to children happen because the dog is uncomfortable being hugged around the neck or kissed near the face.

Instead, teach your kids that dogs receive love differently than we do as humans. Help them understand that the best way to show love to a dog is through calm petting, soft voices, and gentle praise.

10. Don’t Run From a Dog

Kids love to run around and play. But sometimes, they will run away from something if they are afraid. Either way, this doesn’t bode well around a dog.

Running can trigger a dog's natural prey drive. Make sure your kids know this if they are playing with your dog, and help them understand that if the dog starts chasing them, it's best to hold their ground.

Also, make sure to teach your child that if they are feeling nervous or are being approached by an unfamiliar dog, they should stand still like a tree with arms crossed or at their sides, eyes down, and stay calm while assertively saying "NO." They should also yell for help.

Tell them that even though this will go against their instinct to run, it makes them much less interesting to a curious, reactive, or overexcited dog.

11. Approach Dogs Calmly and Slowly

Ask your child how they would feel if someone ran up to them quickly while SCREAMING AT THE TOP OF THEIR LUNGS! Would they feel happy? Or would they feel nervous and overwhelmed?

Help them understand that this type of behavior makes a dog feel nervous and overwhelmed.

Some kids can get so excited to see a dog that they just cannot help themselves. But dogs are often startled by fast or unpredictable movements, especially from small, energetic children.

Instead, teach your child to wait for the dog to come to them.

Bonus: Teach Them About Dog Body Language

There are numerous graphics and videos online that demonstrate dog body language. Taking the time to share these images and videos with your children can help them become more dog-savvy and better understand potential warning signs.

When your kids know how to read dog body language, they can coexist with dogs more safely.

Learn More: Dog Body Language

Final Thoughts

A well-socialized dog and a respectful child can build an unbreakable bond. However, it does take adult guidance. Don't forget that the responsibility to teach, supervise, and set boundaries falls on YOU. It does not fall on your kids or your dog.

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