06/03/2026
We are often asked, โIs this dog good with children?โ The real question is, โAre your children good with dogs?โ ๐ง๐ป๐ฆ๐ผ๐ง๐พ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Having a dog in your family is a wonderful, life-changing experience. Not just for the grown-ups, but for their children too.
Older children learn about love and responsibility when it comes to having a pet, and younger children love to watch the dog play and chase a ball; they also love to touch the dog and want to be as close to it as possible. The tragedy is when the child gets too close, and the dog then growls or bites the child.
It is terrifying when this happens. It can be dangerous and even fatal when a dog bites. Even the most loving, gentle dog can bite. Why? Because itโs a dog!
Humans constantly place unrealistic expectations on their dogs.
Dogs arenโt peopleโtheyโre animals with boundaries. Even the gentlest dog can bite if theyโre scared, hurt, or overwhelmed. Most bites happen when kids get too close, and adults donโt step in.
Adults are responsible for teaching respect, supervising interactions, and managing the environment. Dogs need space just like we do.
๐พ How to prevent dog bites
โข Teach kids to be gentleโno rough play, climbing, or riding.
โข Never rush up to a dog; always ask before petting.
โข Separate dogs and kids when you canโt actively supervise (cooking, meals, high-energy play).
โข Create dog-free zones for kids and kid-free zones for dogs.
โข Praise calm, respectful interactions.
๐ซ Keep kids and dogs apart when:
โข The dog is sleeping.
โข The dog has food, treats, or toys.
โข The dog is tied up or on a leash.
โข The dog is sick, injured, or stressed.
โข The dog has something that belongs to the childโhave the child get an adult to help trade safely.
Active supervision โunderstanding your dogโs stress signals ๐ฐ safety for everyone.
RESPECT THE DOGS - PROTECT THE CHILDREN!
