Guide: puppies and children
Puppies and Children: Safety Rules for a Happy Home
Puppies and children can grow up as best friends, but only with adult supervision and a few firm rules. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year, and at least half of those who need medical care are children. Nearly all of that risk can be managed by teaching children how to behave around a dog, and by never leaving young children alone with one.
Why supervision matters with puppies and children
The figures above come from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). They cover dogs of every size and breed, including family pets.
A puppy is not dangerous. However, it has sharp teeth, no manners yet and no way to say “stop” except with its mouth. A young child, meanwhile, hugs hard, moves fast and misses warning signs. So an adult has to be the referee.
House rules for puppies and children
The American Academy of Pediatrics gives these rules for children (AAP):
- Ask first. Always ask the owner before petting a dog.
- Move calmly and slowly. No running or screaming near the dog.
- Leave a dog alone when it is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
- No rough games. Skip wrestling and tug-of-war.
- Back away slowly if a dog growls. Do not stare, and do not run.
Add two rules of your own for a small puppy: sit on the floor to hold it, and never pick it up without an adult.
Rules for the adults
- Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog, not even for a minute, and not even with a dog you trust.
- Supervise actively. Being in the next room does not count.
- Give the puppy a retreat. Children stay out of the crate and the bed.
- Step in early. If the puppy turns away, licks its lips or yawns, it needs a break.
Puppies and children by age
| Child’s age | What works |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | An adult within arm’s reach at all times. Gentle strokes only, and no carrying. |
| 5 to 9 | Holding the puppy while sitting down, helping with meals and simple tricks, all supervised |
| 10 and over | Training games, grooming and walks with an adult along |
| Teenagers | Real responsibility, with an adult still in charge of the plan |
Jobs children can do
Helping builds a bond far better than cuddling does. With an adult nearby, a child can measure the food, fill the water bowl, brush the coat for a minute or teach “sit” with a treat. In addition, short training games teach the puppy to listen to the child.
Choosing a puppy for a home with children
Temperament and early experience matter more than breed alone. Both of our mixes come from parent breeds that score 5 out of 5 with young children in the American Kennel Club’s ratings, and our puppies grow up around children in our home.
Size is worth thinking about as well. See Are Havapoos good with kids? and Are Goldendoodles good family dogs?
Related guides
- New Puppy Supplies: The Checklist You Actually Need
- Introducing a Puppy to a Cat: A Calm Five-Step Plan
- First Vet Visit for a Puppy: What to Expect and What to Bring
- Introducing a Puppy to an Older Dog: Step by Step
- Puppy Schedule: A Daily Routine by Age
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Preventing dog bites. avma.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org. Dog Bite Prevention Tips. healthychildren.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
Ready to meet your puppy?
Our puppies are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now, or ask us a question.