How Do Dogs Communicate?

Dogs communicate primarily with body language. This means that at any given moment, they are using their ears, eyes, tail, body position and mouths to communicate how they’re feeling. To gauge how they are feeling, you need to look at their whole body:

It is important that children:

• Never assume that a dog they live with always wants to be touched

• Always observe a dog before interacting with it:

  • Is the dog busy doing something, such as eating, chewing on a bone or playing with a toy?

  • Is the dog showing any signs of stress?

• Invite the dog to approach instead of entering a dog’s space

• Pet for a few seconds and then stop, giving the dog a chance to move away or give signs they are comfortable and would like more

• Always give the dog space if playing in the same area (older children) or have caregivers create barriers between the dog and child (younger children)

Be Approachable and Inviting

If you have determined that a dog is safe to greet, teach your child(ren) to be approachable and use Pat, Pet, Pause:

• Pat their leg to invite the dog into their space (never enter the dog’s space)

• Pet the dog on the side or back (don’t reach over the head)

• Pause after a few seconds to see if the dog would like more pets

Printable: Kids! How to Say Hi to Dogs

Classes for Introducing Babies and Toddlers

Did you know we have certified Family Paws Parent Educators on our training team? To set your pets and kids up for success, we offer a monthly virtual Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers classes through Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for expectant parents.

Register for Dogs & Storks

Register for Dogs & Toddlers

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