Dogs and children

Dogs can be great companions and can also encourage children to develop compassion, understanding and respect for living things. Growing up with a dog may also improve children’s social skills with people and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.

It's common for many households with children to have a dog, and the dog is often considered “part of the family”. Children quickly understand that concept, but what they might not understand is that they are a different species.

Differences in the way dogs and children communicate

Children tend to treat pet dogs as their peers; they hug them, try to cuddle them, pick them up and scold them. Children express their affection for their family and friends through very close facial contact, often kissing. Much of this is exactly the opposite to dog social behaviour and your dog may find it threatening. Children, especially toddlers, are still quite clumsy and can accidentally stand on paws, tug ears, hair or tail or otherwise hurt a dog.

From a dog’s point of view, children communicate very differently to adults; they cry, yell, shriek, crawl and run about unpredictably. It's not surprising that dogs find it hard to understand children and even harder to tell them when they want to be left alone!

For these reasons young children are far more likely to be bitten than any other population group. Research also shows that anyone is far more likely to be bitten by a dog owned by their own family than an unfamiliar one. This means that children are in the highest risk group of being bitten by their own family’s dog.
 

Helping children and dogs to enjoy living together 
 

We've designed a leaflet to help provide advice to parents preparing for a new baby as well as those who already have children and a dog in their household.

It includes information and advice on:

• Preparing for a new arrival
• Bringing home your new arrival
• Helping children learn about dogs
• Understanding your dog’s behaviour

For more information, download our leaflet: 
Growing up with a dog - how dogs and children can enjoy living together (PDF 300KB) 

See also Dog safety resources for children and parents for an Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) approved list of resources.

Owning and caring for a dog is great fun and immensely rewarding. But it is also a big responsibility and a longterm commitment, in terms of care and finances. If you own or are responsible for a dog, you are required by law to care for him/her properly.

Read our dog care information to find out more about what dogs need to stay happy and healthy.
 

The information in the leaflet is based on the RSPCA’s dog aggression FAQs with information provided by David Ryan, Chairman of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. The advice offered in these FAQs is recognised by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour Accreditation Committee as reflecting what is accepted as good practice by those working in the field of clinical behaviour in companion animals. Read the Dog Aggression FAQs.