🐕 Kids and Dogs: Vet-Approved Safety and Interaction Tips for 2025 👶🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Dogs and children can form lifelong friendships—but without proper supervision and training, these relationships can also lead to serious accidents. Research shows that children are most often bitten by dogs they know, and the underlying cause is often preventable. In this 2025 guide, learn how to build safe, joyful connections between kids and dogs using vet-backed strategies. 🧠🐶👧

🔍 Misunderstanding “Child-Friendly” Dogs

Just because a dog is labeled “good with kids” doesn’t mean they should tolerate everything. Even well-mannered dogs may react if:

• 😱 Startled by loud noises or sudden movements
• 😓 Cornered with no escape
• 😰 Grabbed, hugged, or leaned on

Every dog has a threshold. Our job as adults is to supervise, manage, and educate—not expect dogs to tolerate the intolerable. 🛡️

🚫 Inappropriate Interactions to Prevent

Children should never be allowed to:

• 👄 Put their face in the dog’s face or hug tightly
• 🚫 Wrestle or play rough
• 😝 Tease the dog
• 🥣 Take food or reach into the food bowl
• 🏃‍♀️ Run past a dog that is lying down or cornered

🧱 Supervision and Management

• 👀 Direct supervision is required for all interactions
• 🚪 Use baby gates, crates, or closed doors to separate when needed
• 🏠 Create a safe haven for your dog where children are not allowed

Dogs should be able to retreat and rest without being bothered. Teach children to respect the dog’s space. 🛏️

📘 Teach Kids to “Read” Dogs

Most bites are preceded by subtle stress signals:

• 😬 Yawning
• 👀 Avoiding eye contact
• 👃 Lip licking
• 🐾 Moving away or freezing
• 😮 Growling (a warning, not a “bad” behavior)

Use child-friendly resources like books, videos, and coloring pages to teach kids about dog body language. 📚

🎯 Structured Activities That Build Bonds

Supervised, positive interactions include:

🎾 Fetch (Two-Toy Method)

• Use two toys—one is thrown while the other is offered on return

🐕 Flirt Pole Play

• Use a toy on a string for chase play—teach the dog to stop and earn a treat at the end

📚 Training Together

• Teach cues like “sit,” “touch,” or “high five” together

🧺 Tossing Treats or Kibble

• Kids can toss treats to the floor while the dog chases calmly

Always teach children to freeze if the dog jumps or chases. Call the dog away or use a leash if needed. ⏸️

👥 Visiting Children

Visiting kids may not know how to behave around dogs. When guests arrive:

• 🔐 Use your dog’s safe haven
• 👣 Reintroduce when the house has settled
• 🛡️ Always supervise kids unfamiliar with your dog

❌ Avoid Punishment

Punishing a scared dog can increase fear and worsen behavior. If your dog is growling, snapping, or showing signs of stress, they need space and support, not correction. 🙅

⚠️ If Your Dog Shows Aggression

• 👨‍⚕️ Talk to your veterinarian
• 🎓 Consult a certified behavior professional
• 🏡 Manage interactions while creating a behavior plan

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Children and dogs can share safe, joyful relationships when guided by adults who supervise, educate, and set boundaries. With patience and planning, your dog can become a beloved family member who thrives with kids. But safety comes first—never leave it to chance. 🐕👧❤️

Need help with child-dog safety, training, or reactivity? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to connect with behavior-savvy veterinary professionals who can guide you every step of the way. 🛡️🐾