Dogs occupy a remarkable place in human society, eliciting deep affection, providing companionship, and sometimes offering important services such as hunting, herding, and assistance for people with disabilities. For many individuals, especially those with young children, the question of whether and how dogs should be present in family life is often fraught with both enthusiasm and caution. Recent research from caregivers in New Zealand highlights that while dogs are undoubtedly cherished in numerous households—being regarded as part of the family, as protectors, or as valued hunting companions—they can also pose serious emotional and physical risks to children. In a fascinating exploration that brought together national survey data and focus-group insights, researchers sought to uncover the perspectives of caregivers on the value of dogs, the multifaceted ways in which dogs influence children’s lives, and the specific harms that can occur in both public and private settings.
People in many cultures consider dogs to be virtually indispensable, weaving them into the warp and weft of daily life. For some, dogs are well-loved members of the household, representing loyal friends or even being sources of cultural pride when it comes to hunting or protecting family assets. Caregivers often note that children can learn responsibility, compassion, and emotional understanding through positive canine relationships. From a purely educational standpoint, dogs are said to help teach empathy or discipline, encouraging children to see beyond their own needs and care for another living being. Many participants in this study indeed praised the strong relationships their children formed with dogs, describing them as crucial family members who assisted with everything from emotional comfort during stressful times to forging new routines, such as daily walks that support a child’s physical exercise. It was not uncommon for caregivers, when asked to assess how important it is for their children to be around dogs, to respond with sentiments such as “very important” or “it enriches children’s lives.” These respondents often linked their endorsement to observations that dogs help kids learn empathy, foster responsibility, or ease anxiety by providing unconditional support.
Yet this enthusiastic stance about the canine-human bond does not come without profound complexities. A number of participants recounted disturbing scenarios in which dogs roamed freely in public spaces—on the beach, near playgrounds, or along local streets—and approached, startled, or even attacked children. These encounters often left the young ones psychologically shaken, having been knocked over, pushed around, or threatened by barking, growling, or biting. Importantly, the reported harm extended beyond physical injury; even when the child was left unscathed bodily, there was sometimes a profound emotional or psychological toll. A single terrifying experience with a barking or aggressive dog could cause children to feel fear or anxiousness in settings where dogs roam off-leash, leading to avoidance of parks, beaches, or even streets where such encounters might reoccur. Some caregivers spoke of the immediate panic they felt while pushing a pram, as an unleashed dog would come bounding over, jumping on them or on the stroller, seemingly oblivious to its effect on a vulnerable infant. For these parents, one of the largest frustrations was the perceived nonchalance of dog owners who said, “Don’t worry, my dog won’t bite,” or “He’s just being friendly,” without acknowledging that from a child’s or parent’s perspective, a large excited dog can be utterly overwhelming or even outright dangerous.
The study spanned both Māori and non-Māori populations, reflecting New Zealand’s multicultural character. Interestingly, the overarching viewpoints on the significance of dogs were not drastically different between these groups. Māori participants, in particular, sometimes spoke of the value of hunting dogs—animals that aided in gathering food for families. Such roles carried cultural significance, as well as pride in the dog’s capabilities. Non-Māori participants echoed many similar sentiments about dogs being beloved family members or vital components of daily life. Where the difference sometimes emerged was in the context of social or economic constraints, which could shape how dogs were housed or managed. Individuals living in environments with fewer resources or in rentals with inadequate fences described scenarios in which dogs roamed freely, or fences were easily jumped, intensifying the potential threat to children. Indeed, caregivers from more deprived areas or smaller rural towns described encounters with stray or “escapee” dogs, making it impossible for children to walk safely on local roads, or forcing them to forgo typical childhood freedoms such as biking unaccompanied to a local shop or playing in a public park.
One of the striking takeaways from the collected accounts is that dog-related harm is not a phenomenon limited to “problem” animals or obviously irresponsible owners. While some incidents did indeed arise from stray or obviously aggressive dogs, others involved well-loved family pets simply acting according to canine instincts—rushing excitedly toward a moving child, playing too boisterously, or feeling provoked by a toddler’s unsteady movements. Parents often reported that owners, particularly those with strongly positive perceptions of their dogs, seemed to underestimate the potential risk that any large or medium-sized dog poses for a small child. Dogs can weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 kilograms, if not more, and can inadvertently charge, jump on, or scratch a child during a routine everyday moment. Caregivers described children’s terror at being knocked flat, pinned by a dog’s paws, or barked at aggressively, even in the absence of a clear “attack.” This fear was sometimes amplified when dogs appeared unpredictably, especially if the child was riding a bike or scooter, or simply walking close to a property line where an unleashed dog might run out.
Those experiences highlight a broader tension: the difference between how owners interpret a dog’s “friendly or playful” approach and how a child perceives that same behavior. In focus groups, participants shared that many owners do not see these interactions as particularly concerning, brushing off the notion that a bounding dog might be terrifying to a five-year-old. Yet from the caregiver’s viewpoint, even a seemingly benign dog lunge can be traumatizing. Certain participants gave harrowing descriptions of a dog leaping onto a pram to “investigate” the baby, or an off-leash dog knocking a child over on the beach. These events, while not always resulting in physical wounds, leave children with an ongoing dread that can stifle their enjoyment of the outdoors. Some participants remarked that after one incident, children might demand to be carried in public areas where dogs roam, or refuse to play in a park if they spotted even a single off-leash animal. That fear can hold a child back from healthy physical activity and can impose social or recreational limitations on families.
Another dimension of the problem is what the study authors term cause attribution. Frequently, when a dog-child incident occurs, the blame is placed in a triangle of sorts: on the dog, on the dog’s owner, or on the child. Parents who participated in the research were often frustrated when owners accused children of “provoking” a dog by moving suddenly, running around, or crying. In the eyes of parents, it is normal child behavior to giggle, skip, or wave arms. They felt strongly that this natural exuberance should not be mischaracterized as “provocation.” Such disagreements can quickly escalate into conflict between families—enough for some to sever ties with friends or relatives whose dog inflicted harm on a child, especially if the dog’s owner did not show remorse or attempt to mitigate future risks. This tension is compounded by the fact that in some communities, direct confrontation or official reporting might be challenging. People may not want to jeopardize close community relationships or cause tension with neighbors, so an incident might never be brought to the attention of animal control authorities, even if the child sustained an injury or experienced deep fear.
In private spaces—especially inside a friend’s or extended family member’s home—there appeared to be a particular risk that caregivers felt powerless to address. Caregivers recounted that if they visited relatives who refused to put their dog away, the visitor might feel they had to walk on eggshells, worried the dog might attack or jump on the children. Some owners might say, “Oh, it’s fine, just let them get to know each other,” even though the children were clearly uncomfortable. Such circumstances put caregivers in a tricky bind: they do not want to offend their hosts, yet they must prioritize their child’s safety. Notably, in these accounts, only a small number of incidents involved a family’s own dog. Far more commonly, parents reported injuries or frightening encounters with dogs belonging to neighbors, friends, or extended family members. This observation corroborates other research indicating that children are often bitten, scratched, or otherwise harmed by dogs they do not live with regularly, making child-safety education programs that merely emphasize “know your dog” or “train your dog well” incomplete solutions.
From an injury-prevention perspective, the study’s authors underscore a principle long recognized in fields such as road safety, water safety, or product safety: purely educating children about how to behave around hazards is not always sufficient to drastically reduce risk. While a majority of survey respondents and focus-group participants indicated that child education was “very important,” many also acknowledged that children, especially the very young, cannot reliably override natural impulses. A toddler might reach out to pat a dog’s fur, accidentally startle it, or run and squeal if the dog approaches. Relying on the child to do the “correct” thing in a crisis—particularly given the rapid, unpredictable motion of dogs—was deemed unrealistic. Despite the popularity of educational programs teaching kids to stand still and “be a tree” or recognize canine body-language, the real-world impact appears limited. While some participants credited these programs with building awareness, the general sentiment was that owners must accept a greater responsibility. In fact, many caregivers recommended that owners keep dogs fenced or leashed in areas where children are likely to be present and pay closer attention to a dog’s signals or potential triggers. Even so, not all owners follow municipal bylaws or guidelines about having a dog “under control,” which can lead to off-leash encounters in places where it may not be permitted.
The gap between policy and practice was a strong undercurrent in the data. People discussed how local councils in New Zealand often require dogs to be on-leash in public spaces, or at least expect owners to ensure “effective control.” Yet in the lived experiences of parents, owners frequently let dogs run free, especially in parks, beaches, or near playgrounds, claiming they “know their dog.” Participants pointed out that the city’s enforcement resources seem limited—some described never seeing animal control or rangers in the areas where these problems are most prevalent. Others were wary of filing reports due to fear of community reprisal or reluctance to cause friction with neighbors. Caregivers in small communities, in particular, said they knew the local dog owners by name and had to weigh the social cost of confrontation. In that context, while official “enforcement” might be theoretically available, it does not operate effectively in everyday life. Meanwhile, caregivers with fewer economic resources found it even harder to manage. If one lives in a community with many stray dogs, or if owners cannot afford robust fencing, one has to accept that dogs can appear in the yard or on the street without warning.
An especially poignant set of narratives emerged around the emotional aftermath of these incidents. Even if a child was never physically bitten, the perceived threat could leave deep emotional scars. The fear can manifest in nightmares, reluctance to be outside, or needing a parent’s constant reassurance and supervision. Children might jump or cry when they hear barking. For parents, feelings of guilt or anger might linger—some expressed that they blamed themselves for not being more vigilant, while others became angry at the dog’s owner for denying that the child truly had something to fear. Where dog bites had occurred, the heartbreak was even greater. Bites to a child’s face or head can leave permanent scars, both physical and psychological. That is particularly disturbing for some families when the dog in question is well-known to them—belonging to a brother or sister or a close friend. A child who has been harmed can no longer feel safe in a relative’s home, fracturing the extended family dynamic in painful ways.
Against this backdrop, the discussion about potential solutions emerges. Many participants advocated for a multi-pronged approach that transcends the typical child-oriented safety lesson. While child education remains important—teaching them not to approach unknown dogs, to avoid hugging dogs around the neck, or to ask permission before petting—caregivers strongly recommended that local authorities enact and enforce stricter regulations for leash use, especially in areas frequented by families. Another strategy is ensuring that owners invest in fencing that fully secures dogs on their property, preventing them from escaping onto sidewalks or roads. Considering that so many injuries happen in private settings, some caregivers suggested that guidelines or legal requirements for owners to isolate dogs in a separate room or yard when visitors with children arrive might help reduce harm. They felt that if owners recognized how quickly an innocent child can be hurt—especially in the case of big dogs—they might be more open to these ideas.
However, the study also implies that strong cultural attachments to dogs can act as a barrier to accepting safety reforms. Many owners, particularly those who see their dogs as “part of the family,” may struggle to see their cherished pets as any real threat. This emotional bond can drive them to deny or minimize an incident, or to believe wholeheartedly that their dog “would never do that” until, tragically, it does. Encouraging a shift in perception—namely, that any dog, no matter how sweet or well-trained, can pose a risk to a small child—might be critical if policymakers want to push for consistent leash laws or more thorough fencing. The authors argue that dog owners, healthcare professionals, animal control officers, and community organizations should collaborate on strategies to raise awareness about these dangers in a culturally appropriate way. For example, in some Māori communities, one might integrate core values around whānau (family) and manaakitanga (care) to promote practices that protect children from dog aggression while still respecting the significance of the dog within the family or the community’s hunting culture. Māori-led leadership and involvement could foster interventions that resonate with cultural norms, ensuring that dog owners do not feel their traditions are being undermined.
From the academic lens of injury prevention, one lesson is that effective strategies often rely on “engineering” (or environmental modifications), “enforcement” (legal or regulatory frameworks), and “education.” Over the years, whether the focus has been on child car seats or pool fencing, the greatest successes have emerged when multiple approaches operate together. This integrated approach could translate into requiring dog owners to use leashes or muzzles in certain public areas, establishing stricter licensing systems, providing resources and support for property fencing, and creating social campaigns aimed at encouraging owners to put dogs in a separate room when visitors arrive. If these structural approaches are absent, and communities rely solely on telling children how to behave around dogs, it is quite likely that the incidence of dog-related injuries will persist.
Moreover, some participants in this study called for more robust systems for reporting and following up on dangerous dogs or irresponsible owners. They suggested an easy, discreet mechanism by which individuals can file a complaint about a roaming or aggressive dog without having to endure conflict with neighbors. If local authorities then promptly investigate, speak to owners, or impose penalties where needed, that might bolster a sense of community accountability. Another angle was the notion that veterinarians, pediatricians, or other professionals could play a part in noticing or reporting signs that a dog might be at risk of harming a child. Though it would require clear policies to avoid breaching confidentiality, such steps might lead to early interventions.
It is equally clear from participants’ accounts that addressing socio-economic barriers is pivotal. People who live in rentals or on smaller budgets may not have the capacity to afford sturdy fencing or dog enclosures. A single mother in a deprived area might not be able to move to a neighborhood without stray dogs, and municipal budgets for animal control might be insufficient. As a result, families can feel trapped, restricting their children’s outdoor activities because they see no viable solution to the local dog problem. The study’s authors indicate that these structural issues must be tackled if meaningful, equitable change is to be accomplished. In this respect, dog-related harm intersects with broader concerns about child wellbeing, neighborhood safety, and the social determinants of health.
One might ask how the findings in this study will resonate with the broader international community. While the immediate context is New Zealand, much of what was described mirrors situations in many countries. The universal tension remains: dogs are beloved, but dogs can injure, especially if not properly controlled or if child-dog interactions are poorly managed. As more societies champion dog ownership for companionship or mental health, while also wishing to promote child-friendly public spaces, the urgency of addressing dog-child safety in a more holistic way becomes evident. In countries with large populations of stray dogs, the issue is even more pressing, as children may regularly encounter unowned canines on sidewalks and in shared community areas.
Ultimately, the final takeaway from this research is that children’s welfare must be paramount, especially given their physical vulnerability and limited capacity to consistently apply safety guidelines. The emotional trauma of a dog encounter can be considerable, overshadowing even the physical outcomes. Prevention strategies will require careful balance: acknowledging that many families adore their dogs and see them as integral to daily life, while implementing robust measures that prioritize child safety. By doing so, communities can forge a path that allows the unique child-dog relationship to flourish without leaving children at risk.
This conversation is far from over. The study underscores the need for ongoing dialogue among dog owners, caregivers, local authorities, indigenous leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals. As more data emerges, it is crucial to refine public policy so that it acknowledges socio-economic constraints, cultural values, and the basic realities of dog behavior. Only by weaving these threads together can society continue to reap the emotional and educational benefits that dogs offer, ensuring that families across all backgrounds can enjoy shared public spaces and private gatherings without the specter of dog-induced harm. In other words, it is entirely possible to shape a future in which dogs remain treasured members of the community, yet children remain protected and free to explore their worlds with confidence and joy.
Subject of Research: Caregiver perspectives on the value of dogs and their effects on children in private and public spaces
Article Title : Caregiver Perspectives on the Value of Dogs and Their Effects on Children in Private and Public Spaces
News Publication Date : 2025
Article Doi References : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.002
Keywords : Dog, Children, Bite, Injury, Prevention, Education
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