Dogs and children can form a wonderful friendship – if both learn to interact respectfully. The most important factor remains adult supervision.
The most important points in brief
- Never unsupervised: Always keep an eye on toddlers and dogs.
- The dog needs a retreat that is off-limits.
- Children learn: do not disturb during eating, sleeping, or retreating.
What research shows: most bites are preventable
A study by Reisner et al. (2011) analyzed bites on 111 children. Result: Most bites on small children happened at home, with the familiar dog, during an otherwise positive interaction – the most common trigger was resource guarding (e.g., food). In small children, 70% of bites affected the face. The message: "bad dogs" are not the problem, but rather a lack of supervision and unfortunate situations.
Rules for Children
- Leave the dog alone when it's eating or sleeping.
- Do not hug, hold, or climb on the animal.
- Pet gently instead of grabbing – and let the dog decide.
- Stay calm, don't run away or shriek.
Rules for Adults
- Always supervise – especially with small children.
- Provide a safe retreat for the dog.
- Separate resources (food, chews) – out of the child's reach.
- Read body language and create distance early.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does a child understand the rules?
The younger the child, the more supervision is needed. Toddlers can barely interpret signals – here, adults bear full responsibility.
How can I tell if the dog is overwhelmed?
Turning away, yawning, licking its nose, retreating – then immediately create distance.
Sources
- Reisner I. R. et al. (2011): Behavioral assessment of child-directed canine aggression. Link
In case of tension, consult a dog trainer with family experience early on.
