The Dog Safety Code encourages everyone to be alert, aware and – most importantly – safe around dogs.
We are a nation of dog lovers and dogs are often part of the family, so it is vital that both parents and children are equipped with the knowledge they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely.
We know that sometimes dog bites can happen because of certain circumstances or because we miss important signals from dogs. Being dog safe and following the Dog Safety Code can help to prevent that from happening.
Images kindly provided by CattleDog Publishing, a division of Veterinary Information Network, Inc www.cattledogpublishing.com
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR CHILD SAFETY AROUND DOGS
It is important that families are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy spending time with dogs safely. Close supervision of children and dogs is key.
Be alert:
- Close supervision is the most important thing to keep children safe.
- Watch, listen and remain close when your child and dog are together. Never leave them alone together
- If either your dog or child seems unhappy, positively and calmly separate them. You can throw your dog a treat or toy, or lead your child away.
Be aware:
- Understand your dog’s body language so you can spot signs they feel uncomfortable or stressed.
- When you know you’ll be distracted during busier times, use safety gates to keep children and dogs separate or, take your child or dog with you.
Be Safe:
Trigger times – teach your child to leave your dog alone when they are:
- Sleeping – no-one likes to be woken up suddenly.
- Eating or having a treat – they might think you’re going to take their food.
- Have a toy or something else they really like – they might not want to share
For more practical tips read the Child Accident Prevention Trust’s dog safety fact sheets:
https://capt.org.uk/dogs-and-children
Spread the word about #DogSafety
We want as many people as possible to display and share dog safety resources to get the #DogSafety message out there.
Download and share the digital version of the Dog Safety Code
Download and share the digital version of the Dog Safety Code (triangle version)
Download and share the printable version of the Dog Safety Code
Download and share the printable version of the Dog Safety Code (triangle version)
Download and share the GIF version of the Dog Safety Code
Download and share the Safety around dogs factsheet
Download and share the Your dog and your new baby factsheet
Download and share the Instagram post for Dog Safety
Download Be Alert for Child Safety Image – PNG
Download Be Aware for Child Safety Image – PNG
Download Be Safe for Child Safety Image – PNG
Download the Dog Safety Poster
Want More Information?
CFSG Dog Safety Library
Dogs and Children | Top tips to keep them safe and happy together (capt.org.uk)
Dogs and children: living safely together | Dogs Trust
The Kennel Club – Safe and Sound
PDSA – Canine communication: recognising stress in your dogs
PDSA – Children and dogs: How to keep them happy and safe
RSPCA – Keeping children safe around dogs
RSPCA – Six Golden Rules for keeping your child safe and your dog happy
RSPCA – How to help your dog behave well
Blue Cross – Be Safe with Dogs: A guide for families
Dogs Trust – Building confidence around dogs
Merseyside Dog Safety Partnership – Public resources
Know the signs
Dogs will show signals through their body language to you. Below you can see some of the most used signals dogs give us to show us if they are worried, scared or need some space.
