Dogs and kids can form some of the most heartwarming friendships imaginable — but only when both sides feel safe and respected. The hard truth is that most dog bites don't come out of nowhere. They're almost always the result of a misunderstanding, and children are the most vulnerable group. In fact, kids between the ages of 5 and 9 are bitten more often than any other age group, and the vast majority of those bites happen at home from a dog the family already knows.

The good news? Most bites are completely preventable — if we teach kids what to look for and how to behave.

Here are the most common mistakes children make around dogs, and exactly what to teach them instead.

Kids express love through hugs — it's natural and sweet. But most dogs don't enjoy being hugged, especially tightly or around the neck. What feels affectionate to a child can feel like restraint to a dog, triggering fear or a defensive reaction.

What to teach instead:

• Pet gently on the chest or side — not the head or neck
• Let the dog come to them, rather than rushing in
• Save the hugs — unless a dog clearly leans in and asks for it

What to teach instead:

• "Hands off when the dog is eating" — no exceptions
• Give dogs their space during meals and treat time
• If something needs to be taken away, get an adult

What to teach instead:

• Call the dog's name softly from a distance to wake them gently
• Never touch, shake, or climb on a resting dog
• Wait for the dog to be awake and aware before approaching

What to teach instead:

• Walk calmly and use quieter voices around dogs
• If a dog gets too excited or starts jumping, "Be a Tree": stand still, fold your arms, and look down at your feet until the dog settles
• Rough play should happen away from dogs, or not at all

Common warning signs to teach kids:

• Growling or showing teeth
• Lip licking or yawning (when not tired)
• Turning the head or body away
• Stiff posture or a tucked tail
• "Whale eye" — when you can see the whites of a dog's eyes

What to teach instead:

• "If the dog walks away, let them go" — that's the dog saying I need space
• Respect growling: it's a warning, not bad behavior. A dog that growls is communicating. The danger is when we punish that warning away.
• When in doubt, find an adult

"Ask the owner — then ask the dog."

1.  Get permission from the owner first

2.  Hold out a relaxed hand low and let the dog sniff

3.  If the dog moves toward you, pet gently on the chest or side

4.  If the dog backs away, respect it — that's a "no thank you"

When kids learn to stay calm, honor a dog's space, and pay attention to what a dog is telling them, something special happens — they don't just stay safer. They become the kind of people dogs genuinely trust.

Penny DiLoreto is a CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Animal Behaviorist, and co-owner of Hot Diggity Dog Resort in Escondido, CA. She has worked with dogs and families for over two decades, helping build relationships built on understanding, trust, and mutual respect.