Instructions
Get permission from the owner. There's always the chance a dog may be aggressive or just not used to children. Tell your child to always get permission before greeting a dog.
Offer your hand with your palm facing down for the dog to sniff. If that goes well, allow your child to do the same. Wait for the dog to approach you or your child; don't approach the dog first. If the dog doesn't want to greet you, then just leave it at that.
Look at the dog and then look away. Dogs may perceive direct eye contact or staring as a threat. Looking away puts them more at ease.
Have your child pet the dog on his back or chest, not on top of the head--and if the dog rolls over--a belly rub will be just fine.
Watch for the dog's body language and signs that the dog may be uncomfortable. If the dog appears antsy and not into it, get your child to stop petting and perhaps talk gently to the dog instead.
How to Teach Children to Greet Dogs Safely
Children love to pet dogs for the most part--and dogs love to be petted for the most part. The following are steps you can take to ensure that your child approaches a dog safely--so that the experience will always be a positive and pleasant one.