Kids & Dogs: Best Practices for Safe, Positive Relationships

With insights from Cindy Scott, Dog Trainer

Dogs and children can form wonderful bonds, but those relationships don’t happen automatically. Safety, supervision, and education on both sides are essential. Dogs don’t instinctively understand children, and children don’t naturally understand dog behaviour – it’s our job as adults to guide both.

With the right preparation, training, and management, dogs and kids can learn to coexist calmly and safely.

Socialising Your Dog Around Children

Socialisation isn’t just about exposure; it’s about positive experiences.

To help your dog feel comfortable around children:

• Pair the presence of kids with good things like food, treats, or playtime

• Take your dog to parks where children are playing, or walk near schoolyards at quiet times

• Allow your dog to observe children from a safe distance

The goal is for your dog to learn that kids predict positive, calm experiences, not stress or chaos. Every interaction your dog has with children should be as positive as possible.

Is Teaching Basic Obedience Important? Absolutely.

Basic obedience isn’t about control; it’s about safety and communication.

Key cues like:

• Sit

• Lie down

• Stay

• Settle / down-stay

These are essential when your dog becomes overexcited or unsure around children. Having reliable manners allows you to calmly guide your dog’s behaviour in busy or emotional moments.

Obedience training also helps dogs learn how to remain calm and relaxed around new family members, including babies.

How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby

Bringing a baby home is a big change for a dog. Introductions should always be calm, controlled, and safe.

Best practices include:

• Always hold the baby in your arms or lap during introductions

• Allow the dog to approach at their own pace

• If your dog becomes overly excited, ask for a “leave it” or “settle” and reward calm behaviour

• If you notice any signs of stress, separate immediately

Always err on the side of caution. A well-practised down-settle cue is one of the most valuable tools you can have during this transition.

Teaching Children How to Behave Around Dogs

Teaching kids how to interact with dogs is just as important as training the dog.

Children should learn:

• How to greet dogs calmly

• Not to run up to unfamiliar dogs

• To always ask permission before approaching

• To let the dog come to them rather than invading the dog’s space

• Not to stick hands directly into a dog’s face

Helping children understand dog behaviour — such as when a dog wants space — reduces fear, stress, and risk for everyone involved

Supervision: The Golden Rule

One of the most important rules in dog–child safety is simple:

Never leave a child alone with a dog, any dog, at any time.

Even the most gentle, well-trained dog can react unpredictably if startled, hurt, or overwhelmed. If you cannot actively supervise the interaction, separate them.

Management is not failure – it’s responsible ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Positive socialisation helps dogs feel safe around children

• Basic obedience creates calm, manageable situations

• Baby introductions should always prioritise safety and calm behaviour

• Children must be taught how to interact appropriately with dogs

• Supervision is essential – always

With thoughtful preparation and clear boundaries, dogs and children can share a safe, respectful, and rewarding relationship.