What to Do When Your Child Acts Aggressively Toward Your Dog
Children and dogs can be the best of friends – but building that bond takes time, supervision and plenty of gentle guidance. Sometimes, as children grow and explore their world, they may display behaviours toward the family dog that are unintentionally rough, confusing or even aggressive. As a parent or carer, recognising the signs early and setting clear expectations is key to creating a safe and positive environment for both your child and your dog.
Why It Happens
Young children are still developing their motor skills, empathy and emotional regulation. What may seem like aggressive behaviour – such as pulling tails, shouting, chasing or rough play – is often a result of curiosity or not understanding how to treat a dog with care. It’s important to correct this behaviour in the moment, while also educating your child on how dogs think and feel.
At the same time, your dog may also be showing signs of confusion, overstimulation or stress in response to these behaviours. Early signs of trouble in the family dynamic may include:
- Overexcitement around the child, such as jumping or hyperactivity
- Becoming overly possessive of the child, licking them obsessively, following them constantly or guarding them
- Nipping, mouthing or bumping the child in play
- Accidentally knocking the child over
- Avoiding the child, hiding or displaying stress signals like yawning, lip licking or shaking off
These are subtle indicators that your dog is unsure how to interact with your child – or may be feeling overwhelmed.
What You Can Do
- Supervise Every Interaction
Never leave your dog and young child alone together, even for a moment. Supervision allows you to step in, redirect and model gentle behaviour.
- Teach Respectful Play
Explain that dogs are not toys – they have feelings, just like people. Use age-appropriate language to help your child understand how to gently interact:
- No grabbing or hugging
- No yelling or chasing
- Gentle touch only
Use praise and encouragement when your child shows kindness and calmness around your dog.
- Set Your Dog Up for Success
Your dog needs just as much support as your child.
It can help to provide your dog with a designated safe space where they can retreat, especially away from children. Make sureyour dog understands this is their safe area.
If your dog is exhibiting possessive, nervous or excitable behaviour around your child, consider working with a professional dog trainer like DogTech® to help manage this before it escalates.
- Model the Behaviour You Want to See
Children learn by watching you. Show them how to greet the dog, how to be calm and how to listen to the dog’s body language. Make kindness and patience part of your family routine.
- Build Positive Associations
Create shared moments of calm, like reading with your dog nearby, going for walks together or having your child help prepare your dog’s meals. These activities build trust and positive association between them – without relying on high-energy interactions that might overwhelm either party.
Every Dog and Child is Different
Just like children, dogs have their own personalities, comfort levels and ways of communicating. Some are naturally calm and tolerant, while others may be more sensitive, energetic or unsure. And children, too, vary in how they interact with animals – what you see working for one family may not work for another.
That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always lead to the best outcome. When it comes to creating a safe and happy relationship between your child and your dog, it’s important to take both personalities into account.
At DogTech, we understand that every family dynamic is unique. We’re here to help tailor guidance and support that’s right for your home – so that both your dog and your child feel safe, respected and connected.
Need help building a safe relationship between your child and your dog?
At DogTech, we specialise in helping families understand dog behaviour and create peaceful, happy homes for everyone – two-legged and four. Contact us for a free 15 minute discovery call today to learn how we can help: https://dogtech.com.au/contact-us/
