Policy four: Dangers of dogs around children

At Hope4Paws UK & Spain, the safety of both dogs and families is of the highest importance. Children and dogs can form wonderful bonds, but it is essential for adopters to understand the risks involved and take appropriate precautions at all times. Rescue dogs, regardless of their temperament assessments, may behave unpredictably—especially in new environments or around unfamiliar children. This policy outlines the risks, safety measures, and responsibilities expected of every adopter.

Dangers and risk factors

Children are particularly vulnerable around dogs due to their size, behaviour, and inability to read canine body language. Risks include, but are not limited to:

  1. Physical Injury
    Dog bites can cause serious injury. In rare but severe cases, bites to the neck can be fatal due to damage to major arteries.
  2. Face and Head Injuries
    Children are most often bitten on the face or head because they are closer to a dog’s level, putting them at higher risk of severe injury.
  3. Additional Health or Safety Risks
    Children may also be injured or harmed by:
    • Falling over or being knocked down by a dog
    • Choking on dog toys or chews
    • Allergic reactions
    • Accidental suffocation if a dog lies too close to a sleeping baby or young child

It is essential that adopters exercise extreme caution when children and dogs share a home.

Preventing dog bites

The following guidelines are mandatory for all adopters:

  1. Supervision
    Never leave a child alone with any dog. Even the calmest, most reliable dog can react unexpectedly if startled or stressed.
  2. Avoiding High-Risk Situations
    Children must be kept away from dogs that are:
    • Sleeping
    • Eating
    • Ill or injured
    • Tied up or restrained
    • Engaged with toys, chews, or bones
  3. Teaching Gentle and Safe Interaction
    Children should be taught to:
    • Be calm, gentle, and respectful
    • Avoid teasing, rough play, shouting, or sudden movements
    • Never pull a dog’s ears, fur, or tail
  4. Approaching Dogs Safely
    Children should never approach an unfamiliar dog without explicit permission from the owner. If permission is given, they should:
    • Allow the dog to sniff their hand first
    • Stroke the dog gently on the chest or side—never pat the top of the head, as this can startle a dog
  5. Behaviour Around Unfamiliar Dogs
    Teach children the following if an unknown dog approaches:
    • Stand still (“be a tree”)
    • Avoid direct eye contact
    • Back away slowly if possible
    • Never run, scream, or wave arms
  6. Reporting Dangerous Dogs
    Any sighting of a vicious, aggressive, or stray dog should be reported to local authorities immediately.

Adopter responsibilities & limitation of liability

By adopting a dog from Hope4Paws UK & Spain, you agree that:

  • You will be fully responsible for ensuring safe interactions between the dog and all children.
  • You will supervise at all times and follow the guidelines above.
  • You understand that dogs may behave unpredictably, especially during the settling-in period.
  • You will seek professional training or behavioural advice if the dog displays signs of stress, fear, guarding, snapping, growling, or any warning signals around children.
  • You accept full liability for the dog’s behaviour toward children and other individuals in the household.

Hope4Paws UK & Spain provides behaviour assessments where possible; however, these are based on observations in a different environment and cannot guarantee safety in a new home, particularly around children.

By adopting, you acknowledge that:

  • All interactions between children and dogs carry risk
  • Hope4Paws UK & Spain cannot be held responsible for any incidents, injuries, or damages involving your adopted dog
  • You accept full responsibility for implementing safety precautions in your home

Please read this policy carefully.

By proceeding with the adoption process, you acknowledge that you understand the risks associated with dogs and children and agree to follow all safety guidelines outlined above.