Socialization
How to teach a child to approach a dog they don't know
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Teach the child to always ask the owner first, stand still with hands at their sides, and let the dog choose to come sniff rather than walking straight up to it. If the owner says no, or the dog does not approach on its own, the child should simply walk away rather than trying again.
Make asking first an automatic habit
Role play the exact words with your child, may I pet your dog, so asking becomes a natural first step rather than something they have to remember to do under the excitement of seeing a new dog.
Teach a calm, non threatening posture
Standing sideways rather than facing the dog head on, keeping hands down rather than reaching out, and avoiding direct staring all make a child appear less intimidating to an unfamiliar dog.
Normalize hearing no as the right outcome sometimes
Explain in advance that some dogs are working, in training, nervous, or simply do not want to meet new people that day, and that walking away calmly when told no is exactly the right response, not a disappointment.
Key takeaways
- Practice asking the owner's permission as an automatic first step.
- Teach a sideways stance and hands down posture for less intimidating body language.
- Let the dog choose to approach rather than the child walking straight up to it.
- Prepare children in advance to accept no calmly as a normal, correct outcome.