Walking the family dog is often seen as a wholesome activity for children. It teaches responsibility, encourages exercise, and fosters a bond between child and pet. However, beneath this charming picture lie real dangers that every parent should consider before handing over the leash. From the risk of injury to unpredictable encounters and traffic hazards, allowing kids to walk dogs unsupervised can lead to serious consequences. As a mom and grandmother, I’m sharing 3 hidden dangers of letting kids walk dogs because dog walks are better left to an adult and, in some cases, a professional.

1. Risk of Injury

Children, especially younger ones, may not have the physical strength or coordination to control a dog, especially a large or energetic one. Even well-trained dogs can become excited or startled on a leash, leading to sudden movements that catch a child off guard. Common dog walking injuries include the following, and these aren’t limited to kids:

  • Falls and Scrapes: A dog that suddenly lunges can easily pull their handler off balance, causing them to fall and suffer scrapes, bruises, or even fractures
  • Finger and Hand Injuries: Leashes wrapped around fingers or wrists can tighten suddenly, leading to cuts, sprains, dislocations, or broken bones

Being Dragged by the Dog

Dogs are naturally curious and can be unpredictable when they spot a squirrel, another dog, or something interesting. If a child is holding the leash, they may be dragged along the ground, unable to let go in time. This can result in:

  • Road Rash: Scrapes and burns from being pulled along pavement or gravel
  • Head Injuries: A sudden fall can cause a child to hit their head, risking concussions or more severe trauma
  • Emotional Trauma: Being dragged by a pet can be frightening, potentially causing a child to fear dogs long term

2. Encounters with Off-Leash Dogs

Not every dog in the neighborhood is on a leash or well-behaved. When a child walking a dog encounters an off-leash animal, the situation can escalate quickly:

  • Dog Fights: Children may not know how to safely intervene or protect themselves, increasing the risk of bites or scratches
  • Bystander Bites: In the chaos, a child or bystander might accidentally get bitten or knocked over by either dog, potentially resulting in legal trouble for the dog owner(s)
  • Loss of Control: The child might drop the leash, resulting in a lost or injured pet

3. Traffic Hazards

Navigating streets and sidewalks with a dog requires constant vigilance. Children may lack the judgment or awareness needed to keep themselves and their pets safe around traffic:

  • Darting into Streets: An excited dog can pull a child into the road, putting both at risk of being hit by a car
  • Distraction: Kids may be distracted or inexperienced, failing to notice oncoming vehicles or traffic signals
  • Visibility Issues: Children tend to be smaller and less visible to drivers, especially when walking near parked cars or at dusk

3 Hidden Dangers of Letting Kids Walk Dogs

As a precaution, I encourage parents to do the following to keep kids and pets safe as they take on the task of walking their dog(s):

  • Supervise Walks: Always accompany young children when walking the dog
  • Teach Leash Safety: Show kids how to properly hold and release the leash if needed
  • Choose Safe Routes: Stick to quiet, nearby, and familiar neighborhoods with sidewalks
  • Train Your Dog: Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands before allowing a child to walk them
  • One Dog at A Time: No matter how well trained, allow your child to walk one dog at a time; the smaller and better trained, the better
  • Time Walks for Safety: Don’t allow kids to walk the dog too early or too late in the day; have them shorten walks when it’s too hot outside as kids won’t likely notice heat stroke until it’s too late

The Best Dog Walkers in Atlanta

While walking the dog can be a wonderful experience for children, it’s crucial to recognize the potential dangers. By taking precautions and understanding the risks, families can ensure that every walk is a safe and enjoyable adventure for both kids and their furry companions.

If you have a dog that needs to be walked by an adult but can’t meet their needs on your own, count on our dog walkers to provide safe, controlled, and enjoyable dog walks for your canine companions.