Dog Safety Code: Keeping Children Safe Around Dogs
🧡 Introduction:
We are a nation of dog lovers and dogs are often part of families, where they bring joy and companionship into our lives. But just like people, dogs have boundaries and emotions. To ensure safe and happy interactions, especially between children and dogs, it is important to understand how dogs communicate and what makes them feel safe. The Dog Safety Code is here to help families be alert, aware, and safe around dogs, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and bites.
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, these practical tips will help you teach children how to respect dogs and enjoy their company safely.
👀 Be Alert:
- Always supervise children when they are around dogs.
- Stay close and attentive—never leave a child and dog alone together.
- If either the child or dog seems uncomfortable, calmly separate them.
🧠Be Aware:
- Learn to read your dog’s body language—look for signs of stress or discomfort.
- Use safety gates or barriers during busy times to keep dogs and children apart.
- Plan ahead for situations where you might be distracted.
✅ Be Safe:
Teach children to leave dogs alone when they are:
- Sleeping – sudden waking can startle them.
- Eating or chewing a treat – they may feel protective of their food.
- Playing with a favourite toy – they might not want to share.
- Eating or having a treat – they might think you’re going to take their food.
- Have a toy or something else they really like – they might not want to share
For more practical tips explore the information leaflets from the RSCPA:
RSPCA Keeping kids safe - Issue 1
RSPCA_KeepingKidsSafe_postersA3_p2
RSPCA_KeepingKidsSafe_postersA3_p1
The following webpages also offer lots of tips, support and advice:
Child Accident Prevention Trust - Dogs and Children
Children & Dogs - How They Can Live Together | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk
Blue Cross: Be Safe with Dogs
PDSA: Children and Dogs
Dogs Trust: Dogs and Children living safely together