7 Tips for Safely Involving Your Kids in Playtime with Your Dog

Owning a pet offers a variety of benefits for children. Kids who begin learning early on what it means to care for another living being develop empathy and compassion more easily through their formative years, and the bonds they form with their pets can be a major source of comfort as they grow up. Participation in pet care tasks, such as feeding, grooming, and playing, also allows children to learn responsibility and develop essential life skills that will benefit them well into adulthood.

However, kids’ involvement in pet playtime requires a safety-first approach on the part of parents, especially for dogs. While any interaction between children and dogs can be incredibly heartwarming, it will also come with its own risks. Unsupervised play or misunderstandings between a child and a dog can lead to accidents and either or both parties getting hurt or distressed. As the adult in the room, it’s your responsibility to set guidelines and ensure that both your kids and your pets are safe during their interactions.

In this PrideBites blog, we’ll walk you through some expert tips for teaching your children how to play with a pet dog or dogs safely. Follow the guidelines below to create a harmonious and secure environment where children and dogs can enjoy each other's company:

1) Use Appropriate Toys

Simple play sessions with toys can strengthen the bond between your children and their furry friend while keeping both engaged and entertained. But note that you don’t want just any toy for this purpose. Choose the kind that are safe and suitable for both children and dogs. 

Avoid toys that your child or dog might swallow or break into small parts. Opt instead for wholesale dog toys designed to withstand rough play, so that you can be sure that they won’t break easily or pose a choking hazard. Pet merchandise like tug ropes or balls, for example, are both safe and great for shared play.

2) Set Boundaries and Rules

A set of clear rules for playtime will help you maintain a safe environment for both your child and your pet dog. Encourage gentle interactions and teach children to avoid rough play. For instance, they should understand that pulling on a dog’s tail or ears is not acceptable behavior. If your dog doesn’t like being hugged or picked up, make sure your child knows this as well. Setting these boundaries clearly will help you prevent accidents and make sure that your child and your dog both understand what is expected during playtime.

3) Supervise All Interactions

Even the most well-trained dog can react unpredictably if it feels threatened or overwhelmed, so make sure you’re around to supervise anytime your child and your dog play together. Keep a watchful eye on their interactions and be prepared to step in quickly if play becomes too rough or if either party seems uncomfortable. This proactive approach will help prevent accidents, and it will also teach children the importance of being cautious and considerate around pets.

4) Teach Kids about Dog Behavior

A child that understands dog behavior will be in the best position to help keep the play environment safe. Teach your child to recognize signs of stress or discomfort in dogs, such as growling, showing teeth, or a stiff posture. Educating them about these signals will help them internalize when to give the dog space. You may also want to teach your kids about how dogs communicate through body language, as this can make their interactions with your pet safer and more respectful. 

5) Model Respectful Interaction

Children learn best by observing the behavior of adults. Demonstrate how to interact with dogs in a respectful and gentle manner to set a positive example for your own kids. Show them how to approach dogs calmly, pet them gently, and respect their space. When you model these behaviors for them, you’ll be able to instill in your children the importance of treating pets with kindness and understanding, which will strengthen their relationships with their furry friends.

6) Use Positive Reinforcement

Both kids and dogs respond well to encouragement, and rewarding positive behavior from both can work wonders in reinforcing good habits. For example, when your child plays gently with the dog, offer verbal praise or a small prize. Similarly, give your dog a treat or show them affection when they behave calmly and appropriately during playtime. This approach ultimately makes learning to play together a more positive experience for all involved.

7) Make Sure Your Play Space is Safe for Kids and Dogs

Dogs, like humans, aren’t built to be social and active all the time—they also need opportunities to recharge and relax. Designate a quiet area, such as a crate or a specific room, where your dog can go if they feel overwhelmed or no longer feel like playing for the day. Teach your children to respect these safe zones and not to disturb the dog when they retreat to their space. If your dog has a sanctuary where they can reliably unwind, chances are, they’ll be happier and exhibit fewer stress-related behaviors come their next playtime.

Remember: if you can take active steps to create a safe and enjoyable playtime environment and routine for your children and your dog, you’ll be able to set them up for a loving, positive relationship that will stand the test of time.