If you have young children and a dog, this book might be one of the most important things you ever buy.
Every parent (and grandparent, teacher, or dog owner with visiting little ones) should own Doggie Language.
When children learn how to read a dog’s body language early, we see fewer scary moments, more trust, and much stronger child–dog bonds. 🐾
Why this book matters in family homes
Most dog “incidents” around children are not about a dog being nasty. They are usually about a dog feeling uncomfortable and a child not recognising the early signs.
Dogs do not speak with words. They speak with:
- eyes (soft vs hard stare)
- ears (relaxed vs pinned back)
- mouth (loose vs tight, lip licking)
- body posture (wiggly vs stiff or frozen)
- movement (choosing space, moving away, hiding)
Doggie Language makes this easy for children because the illustrations are clear, engaging, and simple to compare to their own dog at home.
The most important idea to teach kids
Here’s the headline lesson I want every child to understand:
If the dog moves away, we let them.
Moving away is communication. It is polite. It is the dog saying, “I need space.” When kids learn to respect that, we prevent so many problems before they ever start.
How to use Doggie Language at home
If you want to get the biggest benefit from the book, don’t just read it once and pop it on a shelf. Use it like a family “safety skill” tool.
- Do a 2-minute page a day (short and sweet wins with kids).
- Play “spot the sign”: “What is your dog’s tail doing right now?”
- Make it practical: look at your dog, then look at the illustration, then talk about what your dog might want (space, rest, calm).
- Rehearse the kid plan: “If the dog walks away, what do we do?” (Answer: let them.)
Pair this with our family dog resources
This book pairs perfectly with our more practical “what do we do in real life?” guidance:
- Dog & Child Training (teaching children how to behave safely and calmly around dogs)
- How to Read Dog Body Language (the signs most families miss, and why growling matters)
- Children & Dogs: Safe Interaction Guide (clear rules, common mistakes, and simple fixes)
- Ladder of Aggression in Dogs (why dogs rarely “bite out of nowhere”)
- Good Dogs Growl (how to respond safely, without punishing communication)
If you want one extra trustworthy reference to support what you’re teaching, the RSPCA has a helpful overview of understanding dog body language.
Who this book is for
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or anyone who has children around dogs, Doggie Language is a must-have resource for keeping everyone safer while strengthening the child–dog relationship.
If you’d like to help someone else build safer, happier dog–child interactions, please share this book with them. Knowledge really is power ❤️
FAQ
What is Doggie Language?
Doggie Language is an illustrated book that teaches children (and adults) how to recognise dog body language, including relaxed signals and early signs of discomfort, so families can prevent problems and build better bonds.
What age is this best for?
Most families find it useful from preschool age upwards, as long as an adult reads it with the child. Younger children can still learn the big rules, like letting a dog walk away and using gentle hands.
Does learning body language mean we can stop supervising kids and dogs?
No. Supervision is always essential. Body language knowledge helps you prevent problems earlier, but it does not replace active adult supervision, management (like gates and safe zones), and teaching children calm behaviour.
What are common early signs a dog is uncomfortable around children?
Common early signs include turning away, lip licking, yawning, freezing, a stiff body, tucked tail, pinned ears, hiding behind furniture, or moving away. If you spot these, calmly create space and let your dog rest.
What’s the safest “rule” for kids to remember?
If the dog moves away, we let them. That one rule prevents a huge number of scary moments, because it teaches children to respect a dog’s need for space.
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