Supervision, calm spaces and teaching both sides make a lasting, safe friendship.
Never leave young children and dogs alone together, however trusted the dog. Most bites to children happen with familiar dogs and could be prevented by an adult reading the dog's signals early.
Lip licking, yawning, turning away, a tucked tail or showing the whites of the eyes mean a dog is uncomfortable and needs space. A growl is useful information, not naughtiness — never punish it, or you remove the warning before a bite.
Teach children not to disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping or in its bed, and to stroke gently on the chest rather than hugging or leaning over. Give the dog a child-free safe zone it can retreat to at any time.
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