What to Do If a Dog Runs Up to Your Child
A dog running toward your child can happen in a split second — at the park, on a walk, in a neighbor's yard.
Most of the time the dog is friendly and just excited. But kids don't always know the difference, and even a friendly dog can knock a small child over or trigger a fear that sticks.
Here's the thing most parents don't realize: a dog running toward your child doesn't automatically mean danger. It usually means excitement. The problem is that kids can't always tell the difference in the moment — and their instinct to run or shriek can turn a friendly situation into a scary one fast.
Teaching a few simple in-the-moment skills helps your child stay calm no matter what kind of dog it is.
1. Be a tree — arms in, feet still.
Running away triggers a dog's chase instinct, even in a dog that means no harm. The single most effective thing a child can do is stop completely. Arms at their sides or crossed over their chest, feet planted, body as still as possible. "Be a tree" sticks with kids because it's visual and easy to practice. It works because it removes the thing that's driving the dog's energy forward.
2. Watch the dog's body, not its face.
Kids are naturally drawn to a dog's eyes and expression — but that's not where the information is. Teach them to watch the dog's body overall. Is it loose and wiggly? It's probably just excited. Is it stiff, low, or moving in a straight rigid line? That's a different situation that needs more space. This skill gives kids a read on what they're actually dealing with instead of just reacting.
Pages from Teaching Kids to Be Kind to Dogs — helping kids practice calm, kind behavior around dogs before they need it.
3. Let the dog make the first move.
Once a child is still, the dog will usually sniff, circle, or lose interest within a few seconds. From there, your child can take a few slow steps sideways — not directly backward, not forward. Sideways is non-threatening and gives both the child and the dog room to move naturally.
4. Know what to do when there's no owner around.
Loose dogs without an owner nearby are a different scenario. Teach your child that in those situations — especially if the dog looks uncertain or hasn't calmed down — they find an adult, get inside, or put something like a bike or bench between them and the dog. The steps above are for situations where the encounter happens and resolves. Having an exit plan is for when it doesn't.
These are skills for real life, not just for scary moments. A child who knows how to stay calm around an unfamiliar dog is a kid who actually gets to enjoy more interactions with dogs — not fewer.
Want more dog safety tips for kids?
Download the free Dog Safety Activity Pack — a printable guide, checklist, and reward chart designed for kids ages 6–10.
Teaching Kids to Be Kind to Dogs is available on Amazon — a coloring book that makes dog safety fun and memorable.