08/08/2025
This is really great advice
Also does apply to adults but especially children
Dogs give so many signals first before biting so it’s really important to be able to read your dogs body language
If you need any help or advice then please get in touch
We know how much you love your dogs - and your children. And most of the time, things go just fine. But every year, we’re contacted by families devastated that a dog has snapped or bitten - often during busy times like school holidays.
And more often than not, the dog was showing signs they were uncomfortable… but no one realised. 😢
That’s why we’re sharing this important reminder.
It’s not about blame - it’s about awareness and safety.
🐶 Things we shouldn’t allow children to do with dogs:
🚫 Sit or lie on them
🚫 Grab their face or kiss them
🚫 Climb into their bed or crate
🚫 Disturb them while eating, chewing, or sleeping
🚫 Chase after them to grab toys or food
These moments might look sweet - but for many dogs, they feel overwhelming or even threatening. Most bites don’t come “out of the blue” - they come after a dog has been trying to say no in the only ways they know how.
📊 Did you know? 77% of dog bites come from the family dog or a friend’s dog.
These aren’t dangerous dogs - they’re just dogs who have been pushed past their comfort zone.
✅ What we can teach instead:
💛 Sit on the floor, not on the dog
💛 Pet-pet-pause - 3 seconds of gentle stroking, then stop and see if the dog wants more. If not respect their space.
💛 Let sleeping dogs lie - rest time is important for everyone
💛 Give them space when eating or chewing
💛 Let the dog choose when to interact
With supervision, kindness, and a little knowledge, dogs and children can grow up safely and happily together.
📩 If you’re ever unsure, or your dog is showing signs they’re uncomfortable, drop me a message - I’m always here to help.
For extra support, these resources are also worth a look:
🔗 Kids Around Dogs (Facebook Group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/KADkidsarounddogs
🔗 The Family Dog (page)https://www.facebook.com/thefamilydogpros
