Support Barking Smart

Parents Guidance

Keeping Children Safe Around Dogs

At Bark Smart, our mission is to educate children and parents on safe interactions with dogs. Understanding how to approach, respect, and establish boundaries with dogs helps prevent accidents and builds positive relationships between children and pets.

Teaching Children Safe Dog Interactions at Home

As parents, you play a crucial role in teaching your child how to behave around dogs. Even the most friendly and well-trained dogs have boundaries, and it’s important that children understand how to interact with them safely.

Key Lessons for Children:

Always ask before petting a dog – Even if a dog looks friendly, children should ask the owner before approaching.
Let dogs come to you – Encourage your child to remain calm and let the dog make the first move.
Recognise dog body language – Teach your child signs that a dog is happy, scared, or wants to be left alone.
Give dogs space when they eat or sleep – Never disturb a dog during mealtime or when they are resting.
Be gentle and respectful – No pulling ears, tails, or jumping on dogs.
Stay calm and quiet – Loud noises and sudden movements can startle a dog.

Do's & Don'ts for Children

Do's

Stay calm and move slowly around dogs.
Pet dogs gently on their back, chest or under the chin (never on the head or face).
Keep hands away from a dog’s food, toys, or bed.
Stand still like a “tree” if a dog jumps up or seems overly excited.
Play with dogs safely using appropriate toys (avoid tugging on ears or tails).

Don'ts

Scream, run, or make sudden movements near a dog.
Disturb a dog while they are sleeping or eating.
Hug, climb on, or ride a dog.
Pull a dog’s ears, tail, or fur.
Try to take a toy or food away from a dog.

Setting Boundaries for Both Dogs & Children

Just as children need to learn boundaries, so do dogs. Establishing rules for both helps create a safe and positive environment.

For Dogs:

Provide a safe space where the dog can retreat when they want to be left alone.
Train dogs to be comfortable with children using positive reinforcement.
Supervise all interactions between young children and dogs.
Socialise dogs gradually to different situations to build their confidence.

For Children:

Teach them to respect a dog’s space and avoid bothering them when they are resting.
Set clear rules about when and how they can interact with the dog.
Encourage gentle, supervised play rather than roughhousing.

Understanding Muzzles: Why Some Dogs Wear Them

Why Dogs Might Wear a Muzzle:

For safety in stressful situations – Some dogs feel anxious in busy environments or around strangers.
To comply with legal requirements – Certain breeds may be required to wear a muzzle in public.
During training or vet visits – Some dogs wear muzzles to prevent them from reacting out of fear.
For medical reasons – If a dog has an injury or condition, a muzzle can prevent them from licking or biting at a wound.

It’s important to teach children that muzzles are not a bad thing. Instead, they show that an owner is being responsible and ensuring the safety of their dog and those around them.

Muzzles are often misunderstood, but they serve many important and responsible purposes. Wearing a muzzle does not mean a dog is aggressive—it simply means their owner is taking extra precautions.

Additional Tips for Parents