Keeping children safe around dogs

Dogs and children can be great friends and help children to develop kindness and a sense of responsibility.

But dogs may be more likely to react unexpectedly if they are stressed, unwell, overwhelmed or unable to move away from children.

Here are some tips for keeping both children and dogs safe in the home.

Banned breeds

Owners of banned breed dogs must ensure that any child under 12 is not left in close contact with their dog in a private place, such as a home or garden, without appropriate adult supervision. This is a legal requirement.

‘Appropriate adult supervision’ means an adult aged 18 or over is present and able to take steps to keep children safe around dogs.

The supervising adult should:

remain nearby and keep both the child and dog under observation
pay attention to their interaction and be able to intervene if needed
be able to separate the child and dog immediately if necessary

Supervision should be in person. Cameras, baby monitors, video doorbells or other devices are not a substitute for an adult being physically present and able to intervene.

Interacting with dogs

Stay with your children around dogs and never leave a young child alone in the same room as a dog, even if it’s your own dog.

Don’t let your children approach dogs they don’t know, such as when you’re out for a walk in the park. Every dog is different, even dogs of the same breed can react differently in certain situations.

Interact with dogs at the right times and teach your child not to approach dogs when they’re:

eating or having a treat
playing with a toy or something else they really like
sleeping
unwell, injured or tired
blind or deaf

Your child should be taught to be gentle to animals and to be kind and polite to dogs.

Don’t let your child:

climb on dogs
pull their ears
do anything you wouldn’t allow them to do to another person

Playing nicely with a dog can include teaching them some fun tricks like shake a paw or roll over.

Giving dogs space

Give your dog space if they need it and always supervise your child in person when they’re with a dog. If your dog looks unhappy, give them some space and let them go somewhere they feel safe and happy.

Dogs like to have a break from humans sometimes. You can give your dog a cosy spot in a room where they can have their own space. You can teach your child to leave your dog alone when they’re in a private spot.