Kid Safety Matters
Dogs can get jumpy or overexcited around kids. Help children learn simple skills to keep themselves safe and confident, especially around unfamiliar or anxious dogs.
Stand Still
Dogs are drawn to movement—running can trigger their chase instinct. Teach your child to remain still to avoid escalating the situation.
Arms Together
This keeps the child’s arms from flailing. Teach kids to bring their arms close, palms open, letting the dog see they’re not holding anything.
Look at Your Palm
Eyes down, focused on their hands. Eye contact can provoke conflict. If the child looks at their palms, they avoid staring directly at the dog.
Act Like a Tree or a Rock
If a dog knocks a child over, the child should curl up on the ground and pretend to be a rock until the dog loses interest. The more the child practices this, the faster the dog learns to let go.
