Kids and Dogs: Part 1 — Teaching Children How to Approach Dogs Safely
Kids and Dogs: Part 1 — Teaching Children How to Approach Dogs Safely Whether it’s the family dog, a neighbor’s pet, or a friendly pup at the park, teaching children how to interact with dogs is one of the best ways to prevent accidents and build positive relationships. Even the friendliest dog can become frightened or overwhelmed when approached incorrectly. By helping children understand a few simple rules, you can keep both kids and dogs safe while creating positive experiences for everyone. Always Ask Permission First One of the most important lessons is to never pet a dog without asking the owner first . Even if a dog looks friendly, there may be reasons they should not be approached. The dog could be: Nervous around children Recovering from an injury or illness In training Protective of their owner Simply not comfortable being touched Teach children to politely ask, “May I pet your dog?” and to respect the answer if the owner says no. Let the Dog Choose to Say Hello ...