Kids and Dogs: 10 Common Mistakes Every Parent Should Avoid

Marek Drzewiecki
Nov 30
4 min read

Introducing children to dogs can be one of the most joyful parts of family life. Dogs help children develop empathy, confidence, and responsibility; but only when interactions are safe, calm, and respectful.

This guide shows parents exactly what children should NOT do with dogs and what to teach them instead, so both kids and pets stay safe and happy.

1. Teach Kids How to Approach Dogs Safely

Helping children understand what not to do to a dog starts with teaching them how dogs communicate. Many children don’t know that a wagging tail can mean excitement or stress, or that a growl is a clear, healthy warning.

Actionable steps:

Show kids videos or examples of dog body language (relaxed vs worried).
Practice quiet, slow approaches at home with your own dog.

Explain to children:

Always ask permission before touching ANY dog.
Let the dog come to them first — no running, no grabbing, no squealing.

Set a family rule: “If the dog walks away, the interaction is over.”

2. Teach Gentle Hands — Never Rough Play

Dogs are not toys, and kids need clear guidance on handling them kindly. Rough play can easily frighten or hurt a dog, increasing the chance of a defensive reaction.

Show kids how to:

Use slow, soft strokes along the dog’s back or chest.
Avoid pulling ears, tails, fur, or pushing the dog’s face.

Try this simple exercise:

Use a stuffed animal and practise “gentle touch” vs “rough touch.”Make a game: “Which one keeps the dog calm?”

It sticks surprisingly well with children.

3. Never Disturb a Sleeping Dog

Even the gentlest dog can react defensively if startled from sleep. Children must understand that a sleeping dog needs space.

Create a clear family rule: “If the dog is sleeping, we leave them alone.”

Make it easier by:

Giving the dog a designated quiet corner or bed.
Teaching kids a role-play scenario: “If you see the dog sleeping, tiptoe past or find something else to do.”

This protects both the dog and the child.

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4. No Teasing, Taunting, or “Annoying Games”

Children sometimes tease dogs without malicious intent, but dogs find it deeply stressful.

Examples include:

Pulling the tail
Mocking barking
Taking toys away
Running back and forth to excite the dog
Shouting in the dog’s face
Waving food over the dog’s head

Teasing creates anxiety and erodes trust.

Teach kids: “We treat dogs the same way we want to be treated — with kindness.”

Stories and examples help children understand how teasing affects a dog’s emotions.

5. Don’t Stare Into a Dog’s Eyes

Direct eye contact can feel threatening to a dog, especially one who is nervous or unsure.

Teach kids to:

Look slightly to the side instead of staring.
Turn their body sideways when approaching an unsure dog (less threatening).

This creates calmer, safer interactions.

6. Never Take Food or Toys From a Dog

Resource guarding is natural. Even friendly dogs may growl or snap if a child grabs food, a chew, or a favourite toy.

Teach two simple rules:

“We never touch a dog while they are eating.”
“We don’t take things from the dog — we trade instead.”

Teach older children that you can offer a treat in exchange to encourage the dog to drop something, but small kids should avoid this entirely.

7. Respect Personal Space and Consent

Dogs, like people, need consent. Not all dogs want to be touched all the time.

Teach kids signs a dog wants affection:

Approaches calmly
Leans into them
Soft eyes, relaxed body

Signs a dog does NOT want affection:

Moving away
Turning head
Tensing
Licking lips
Yawning
Showing the whites of the eyes

Letting kids learn “yes and no cues” makes interactions safer and creates a deeper bond.

8. No Hugging Dogs — Even if They “Seem Fine”

Most dogs tolerate hugs but do not enjoy them. Being pinned or squeezed can make many dogs feel trapped or afraid.

Offer alternatives:

Gentle strokes
Sitting next to the dog
Brushing (if the dog enjoys it)

Explain to kids that dogs show affection differently — not through hugs, but through closeness, leaning, or gentle nudges.

9. Never Climb on a Dog

Children often assume large dogs can be ridden or used as climbing support. This is dangerous and can result in serious injury.

Teach children: “Dogs have bones just like you. Climbing hurts them.”

Offer safe alternatives:

Tug games
Fetch
Hide-and-seek with treats
Training tricks together

10. Respect a Dog’s Need for Alone Time

Dogs sometimes retreat to decompress, especially after play or when overstimulated.

Help children recognise when a dog needs space:

Walking away
Going to a bed or crate
Turning their back
Hiding behind furniture

Family rule to teach: “When the dog goes to their bed, we let them rest.”

This helps prevent stress, overwhelm, and potential growling.

Conclusion

Teaching children how to behave safely and respectfully around dogs creates confident kids, happier dogs, and a more peaceful home. These safety skills protect both sides of the relationship and build lifelong habits of empathy and kindness.

By helping kids learn what NOT to do — and what to do instead — you’re setting up your dog and your family for years of safe, joyful companionship.