Most children love pets and most of the time, the affection is returned, creating a happy situation that benefits the whole family. Sadly, several distressing and highly-publicised recent attacks have focussed the spotlight firmly on safety for children around pets, especially dogs.

In previous issues we have talked about all the positive aspects of pet ownership for kids, and it’s really valuable for children to learn respect and affection for animals; however, there are a few steps we can take to ensure the relationship is a safe and positive one for both person and animal.

Whether you own a pet or not, it’s a critically important lesson for kids to learn. While many bites or attacks aren’t severe and aren’t reported, injuries from dog bites can be very serious. Even a relatively quick attack can result in serious cuts and heavy bruising, particularly for a younger child, as well as scars (physical and emotional) that remain for life.

Children under the age of five years are considered most at risk and can experience the worst injuries because their height places their face and neck at close proximity to the dog.

Dogs don’t generally bite out of malice – usually it is because they are afraid or feel threatened in some way.

Children are often the victims of dog bites because they inadvertently behave in ways that are frightening or threatening to even the friendliest dog (shouting, running around, waving arms about etc), without even being aware of the possible consequences of their actions.

Dogs also perceive children very differently from adults, and while the adult may be seen as the ‘pack leader’ and an authority figure, this respect doesn’t always translate to children in the household. It’s vitally important to remember any dog can bite – no matter what the breed, or how well you know the dog, or how friendly and calm it has appeared in the past. The vast majority of dog bites happen close to home and are from a dog that is owned by or known to the family –the dog and child may even have played happily together previously.

We need to be especially vigilant when a new baby or child joins the household and also with children that are used to having dogs around, as they may incorrectly assume all dogs are as friendly and familiar as their own.

The best way to prevent dog bites to is ensure that children are always supervised when dogs are around. Children should always be kept well clear of a dog that is sleeping, eating or playing with a favourite toy, and should be very careful around puppies if a protective mother could be nearby. Also avoid approaching a dog that is in a car or behind a fence, as the dog may feel the need to protect their space.

Children should also be educated from a young age on the proper way to behave around dogs and this should be put into practice with regular (supervised) contact and socialisation with various types of dogs and puppies. Teach children to ‘move slowly and speak quietly’: avoid fast or sudden movements and loud noises, as the dog may perceive these as threatening.

Kids should also be taught to recognise and watch out for signs that the dog isn’t happy - these signs may include the dog backing away, staring, raised hackles, bared teeth, ears up and tail raised, or growling. Help children to understand that these signs are the dog’s way of saying it wants to be left alone.


Children should learn to ask the owner’s permission before approaching or patting an animal – this allows the owner to prepare the dog as well, so it’s not caught off guard by a sudden approach form an unfamiliar child.

If given the okay, the child should allow the dog to approach them or otherwise approach slowly from an angle (where the dog can clearly see them), and use the dog’s name in a clear and gentle voice – no squealing with excitement! The child can then offer the back of the hand for the dog to sniff. If the dog responds in a friendly way, the child can gently pat the dog on the chest or under the chin – never the top of the head, which is very confronting for the dog.

Children should never approach a stray dog (i.e., a dog that is off leash or unrestrained, or without its owner) and should be taught instead to report to an adult, who can contact the relevant authorities.

It is hoped that supervision and education can avoid attacks, but in case of the worst scenario eventuating, children should also know how to respond if they are confronted by an aggressive dog. As difficult as it may be, they should not run as they can never outrun the dog and their movement may incite the dog to chase – instead, they should stand very still, ‘like a statue’.

They should keep their arms close by their side or tucked up under the chin, and avoid eye contact with the dog – they should aim to look at their own feet instead. The dog may come very close but will rarely attack without reason.

If the dog is no longer showing signs of aggression, the child should very slowly and carefully begin to move away, always keeping the arms close by the side and looking at the ground.

Any indication of aggressive behaviour from a dog towards the child needs to be viewed as very serious and dealt with quickly. Heavily reprimanding the dog can contribute to increasing fear and aggression, so it is always best to seek the help of a professional rather than trying to cope on your own – speak to your vet, consult a reputable animal behaviourist or call your nearest RSPCA for advice.

Growing up with pets teaches children about responsibility, empathy and other important life lessons. Our kids will encounter animals in the community every day, so while safety is essential, it is also very important that children don’t become uncomfortable or fearful around animals. They should simply learn that dogs behave and communicate in different ways to us and can easily become scared or defensive, so we need to remember this and act accordingly when we’re around them.

* please note, this information is intended as a guide only and should not be viewed as definitive advice. If you have any questions, please consult your vet or a qualified animal behaviourist.

www.rspca.org.au