“Can I Pet Your Dog?” and Other Mistakes Children Make When Encountering Dogs in Public

Dogs are often called man’s best friend — but not every dog is friendly, especially when approached the wrong way. For young children, a dog can seem like a soft, fluffy playmate waiting to be hugged and petted. However, approaching unfamiliar dogs improperly can lead to bites, scratches, and even serious injuries.

Teaching children how to behave around dogs, especially ones they don’t know, is crucial for their safety. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of dog bite victims are children, and bites to the face and neck are common.

Here are the most common mistakes kids make when meeting dogs in public — and how to prevent them.

Mistake #1: Asking “Can I Pet Your Dog?” and Rushing In

Many children have been taught to politely ask the owner, “Can I pet your dog?”
While this is a good start, the biggest mistake comes after the permission is given.

Why it’s dangerous:
Even if an owner says “yes,” a child may rush in too quickly, tower over the dog, or stick a hand right into the dog’s face. Dogs can perceive fast, sudden movements as threats.

Safer approach:

• Always ask permission from the owner first.
• After permission, let the dog come to you first.
• Extend a closed fist slowly and let the dog sniff.
• Pet only the dog’s shoulders or chest — never the top of the head at first.

Mistake #2: Hugging or Kissing the Dog

Children often want to express affection the way they would with a stuffed animal — with hugs and kisses. Unfortunately, most dogs do not interpret hugs the way humans do.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Hugging can feel like restraint to a dog.
• Kissing puts a child’s face close to the dog’s mouth — a high-risk zone for bites.

Safer approach:
Teach children that dogs don’t like hugs. Gentle petting along the back or chest is much safer and better understood by dogs.

Mistake #3: Approaching a Dog While It’s Eating, Sleeping, or Tied Up

Even the most tolerant dog may react aggressively if startled, feels cornered, or is guarding food.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Dogs guarding food or sleeping can feel threatened and bite instinctively.
• A tied-up dog feels vulnerable and cannot escape, making aggression more likely.

Safer approach:
Children should be taught to never approach a dog that’s eating, sleeping, chewing a toy, or tied up outside a store or home.

Mistake #4: Petting a Service Dog Without Permission

Children (and many adults) are often excited to see dogs in public, but service dogs are working animals with an important job to do.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Distracting a service dog can cause its owner to be injured or left vulnerable.
• Service dogs are trained to ignore attention but may be confused by persistent touching.

Safer approach:
Teach children that service dogs are working and should never be petted or distracted without explicit permission from the handler.

Mistake #5: Assuming All Dogs Are Friendly

Kids often think that because they have a friendly dog at home, all dogs are safe.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Some dogs are fearful, reactive, or poorly trained.
• Appearance can be deceiving; even a wagging tail does not always mean a dog is friendly.

Safer approach:
Children should understand that every dog is different. Always ask permission. Always move slowly. Never assume.

Mistake #6: Running Toward or Away From a Dog

Dogs are instinctively triggered by running — it can activate their prey drive, even in a normally calm dog.

Why it’s dangerous:

• Running toward a dog can be perceived as a threat.
• Running away can trigger a chase, leading to bites or injuries.

Safer approach:
Teach children to walk slowly and calmly near dogs. If they feel uncomfortable, stay still like a tree or move away calmly.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Warning Signs

Most dogs give clear warning signs before biting — growling, stiff posture, raised hackles, lip licking, or showing the whites of their eyes (known as “whale eye”).

Why it’s dangerous:
Children who ignore warning signs often escalate the dog’s anxiety or fear, leading to an avoidable bite.

Safer approach:
Parents should teach kids the basics of dog body language:

• Tail tucked? Stay away.
• Ears back and teeth showing? Stay away.
• Growling or staring stiffly? Move away slowly.

Understanding these signs can prevent accidents.

How Parents Can Help: Teaching Dog-Safe Habits

Proactive education makes all the difference. Here’s how parents can reinforce good habits:

• Model calm behavior: Show your child how to approach slowly and respectfully.
• Role-play at home: Practice scenarios using a stuffed dog or your own family pet (if safe).
• Use simple rules:
  • Ask first.
  • Let the dog come to you.
  • Pet gently on the body, not the head.
  • No hugging or kissing unfamiliar dogs.
  • Walk, don’t run.
• Watch and supervise: Always supervise young children around any dog, even a family dog.

When Things Go Wrong: Dog Bites and Legal Rights

Even when children are careful, dog bites can happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim in the United States in 2022 was over $64,000. Medical costs, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring can have a lasting impact on a child.

In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets under the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) — meaning victims don’t have to prove the dog was previously dangerous.

If your child is bitten:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Report the bite to animal control.
• Document injuries with photographs.
• Speak with an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney to understand your rights.

Final Thoughts: Safety First With Dogs, Always

Encounters with dogs can be one of the best parts of childhood — or one of the scariest. By teaching children respectful, safe behavior around dogs, you can help them enjoy animals while protecting them from harm.

Remember:

• Not all dogs want attention.
• Not all dog owners recognize warning signs.
• Education and supervision are the best ways to prevent tragedy.

With the right knowledge, children can enjoy dogs safely and confidently wherever they go.

Contact the Seasoned Illinois Dog Attack Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are committed to protecting families and helping victims recover after serious dog bites and animal attacks. Our experienced team of Naperville dog bite attorneys has successfully represented many young victims and their families, recovering millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

With offices in Naperville and St. Charles and over 90 years of combined experience, our award-winning injury litigators are ready to help. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your child’s future.