top of page
Search

Children and Dogs: Building Safe, Happy Relationship


Children and dogs can form wonderful bonds and learn a great deal from growing up together. To make that relationship safe and positive, clear rules and thoughtful management are essential. Dogs and children experience the world very differently, so adults need to set everyone up for success.


This guide explores the benefits, the common pitfalls, and the practical steps you can take to help children and dogs live together safely and happily.


The Benefits of Children and Dogs Living Together

When managed well, sharing a home can be hugely rewarding for both.


Dogs often benefit from:

  • Increased routine and structure

  • More exercise and mental stimulation

  • Appropriate, gentle affection

  • Companionship


Children benefit too, learning empathy, confidence around animals, and enjoying the comfort and companionship that dogs bring to family life.


Common Pitfalls in Homes With Children and Dogs

Despite the best intentions, challenges can crop up, particularly when expectations don’t match reality.


Common issues include:

  • Boisterous or unpredictable play

  • Loud or stressful moments such as tantrums

  • A lack of understanding of canine communication

  • Children grabbing, climbing on or hitting dogs

  • Dogs snapping or biting when overwhelmed


Children are statistically at greater risk of dog bites than adults, with many bites occurring to the head, neck and hands. Most incidents are preventable with education, supervision and thoughtful management.


Before Your Puppy Comes Home

Preparation is key, especially if your household already includes children.

Creating clear dog-free and child-free areas gives everyone space to relax. A puppy pen works well as a child-free zone where your puppy can rest undisturbed. Getting children involved by making posters showing the rules for the pen helps reinforce boundaries in a positive way. Using tape to mark areas around food and water bowls can also help younger children understand where not to go.


Before your puppy arrives, it’s helpful to practise safe handling using a stuffed toy. This allows children to learn how and where to stroke a dog without pressure. We recommend teaching children to stroke along the dog’s back and to avoid faces, ears, tails and paws. A simple phrase we love is: “One hand is enough, two hands is too much.”


Setting clear household rules in advance sets children up for success once the puppy is home and avoids any confusion about what is and isn't allowed with the puppy.


Active Supervision Keeps Everyone Safe

Active supervision means watching both the child and the dog without distractions. If that isn’t possible, they should be separated. Most dog bites involving children happen when adults are distracted or not watching closely.

If you are cooking, on the phone or otherwise occupied, pop your puppy in their pen or behind a stair gate.


You should intervene immediately if you notice:

  • A child approaching a dog who is sleeping or eating

  • Grabbing of ears, tails or paws

  • A child following a dog that is trying to move away

  • A dog approaching a child who is holding food


Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour found that many parents struggle to recognise risky child–dog interactions, particularly with familiar dogs. Many admitted to leaving children and dogs unsupervised or turning their backs during interactions, highlighting how important proactive supervision really is.


Understanding the Ladder of Aggression

Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and bites rarely happen without warning. The Ladder of Aggression illustrates how dogs escalate their behaviour when early signals are ignored.


The Canine Ladder of Aggression

Early signs of stress can include:

  • Turning the head away

  • Lip licking or yawning

  • Blinking or freezing


Spotting these lower-level behaviours allows adults to step in early and give the dog space before behaviour escalates.


Games That Help Children and Dogs Bond Safely

Appropriate games allow children and dogs to interact positively while maintaining boundaries. They help build a bond without encouraging rough play or unsafe behaviour. All games should be supervised and chosen with your child’s age and ability in mind.


The Treat Tube

This is a simple, low-arousal game that keeps little fingers well away from sharp puppy teeth.

To play, use a long cardboard tube, such as an empty wrapping paper tube. Have your child sit on a chair with the tube resting on their lap and the other end touching the floor. Your child can then drop small treats down the tube for the puppy to find on the floor. This encourages calm behaviour and prevents grabbing or hand-feeding.


Hide and Spoon

Hide and Spoon is a puppy-friendly version of hide and seek that combines recall practice with safe interaction.

Give your child a wooden spoon with a small amount of something tasty on the end, such as yoghurt or peanut butter. While an adult holds the puppy, ask your child to go and hide nearby. Once hidden, they can call the puppy’s name. When the puppy finds them, your child lowers the spoon so the puppy can enjoy the treat without hands being involved.


Stand Like a Tree

Stand Like a Tree isn’t so much a game as a strategy, but it’s an important one for children to learn.

Teach children that if a puppy jumps up or becomes too excited, they should stand still with their hands tucked into their armpits, look away, and call for help. This prevents squealing, running or pushing the dog away, which can accidentally turn jumping and nipping into a fun game for the puppy.


Hand Touch

Hand Touch is a great trick for children to teach and practise, and it doubles as a simple recall.

With an adult supervising, ask your child to hold out a flat hand. When the puppy touches their hand with their nose, the adult rewards the puppy with a treat. Over time, children can begin to cue the behaviour themselves. This encourages calm, focused interaction and gives children a safe, structured way to engage with their dog.


Simple Household Rules That Make a Big Difference

Clear, consistent rules help everyone understand their role.


Children should:

  • Leave dogs alone when they are eating, sleeping or playing with toys

  • Call the dog over rather than approaching


Adults should:

  • Practise active supervision

  • Separate if supervision isn’t possible

  • Learn canine body language and intervene early

  • Model calm, respectful interactions


Training Support for Puppies in Family Homes

Training helps dogs learn calm behaviours around children and gives adults confidence in managing everyday situations.


You may find these options helpful:

Choosing Toys for Safe Play


I often recommend to clients with children that each child have their very own long, soft toy that they carry around so as they can redirect puppy teeth away from them and onto something appropriate. We love the Tugenuff toys as they are super enticing for puppies and fun for kids to choose their colour! CLick on the link below to get 10% off:


Further Support


For additional child-friendly education around dogs and safety, visit kidsarounddogs.co.uk.

If you’d like help setting your puppy up for success in a family home, explore the training options above or get in touch for personalised support.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page