Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Dog vs. cars: This video shows how a pup keeps a pack of schoolchildren safe

This friendly dog is the best crossing guard we've ever seen

Nicole Carlino
By

Comfy sweaters, leaves crunching underfoot, and the delightful smells of pumpkin and apple — who doesn’t love the beginning of fall? This particular season also means another big change: back-to-school time for our kiddos. This isn’t always a happy time for our pets at home, who have grown used to spending all summer playing with their favorite humans, and separation anxiety isn’t all that uncommon in dogs this time of year.

So, what’s a pup to do? This friendly dog seems to have found an answer: Walk to school with the kids, ensuring their safety as they cross dangerous streets.

Recommended Videos

We can’t tell you how much we love this video, which was posted to the r/AnimalswithJobs subreddit. As a group of schoolchildren readies themselves to cross the street (in the crosswalk, of course), this friendly dog bounds over to traffic, barking at the cars to ensure they remain stopped. Once satisfied that the drivers don’t plan to go anywhere, the self-appointed crossing guard dog moves back over to the kids, walking with them.

And when one white vehicle ignores the children in the crosswalk and just continues driving? Our dutiful pup gets angry, unleashing a torrent of barks at the offender.

Then the dog gets back to his job — helping the group of students — and once they’ve safely crossed, readies for the next group. In this particular situation, the dog puts itself between the kids and a car — yet another white vehicle. This vehicle has stopped, but inches up closer to the crosswalk as the kids pass, anticipating being able to move once the street is clear. Well, our crossing guard isn’t having any of that, using both their body and their barks to keep the vehicle in place and the kids safe.

Young girl with her arm around a Rottweiler.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Do all dogs like children?

The behavior of this particular dog isn’t that uncommon — there are many dog breeds known for being great family pets, specifically because of how well they can get along with kids. However, it isn’t naturally a given that your dog and your child will get along right away. There are some things you can do to help that process along, so your child sees your pup as a lovable, friendly dog (and vice versa):

Supervise your dog’s time with your kids

Both dogs and children can be cranky or irritable, and they’re not always great at expressing their emotions (or understanding the other just wants to be left alone right now). Make sure you’re around while they’re still getting to know each other to avoid any disasters.

Make sure your child knows how to respect dogs

Pulling their tails, sticking fingers in their eyes, and pulling their ears isn’t cute behavior and it needs to be stopped. Likewise, your children might genuinely love their dog, but don’t realize the pup isn’t appreciative of their super-tight hugs. It’s your job to ensure kids know how to interact with dogs appropriately.

Reinforce positive behaviors in your dog

When your dog has a good moment with your child, give them a treat so they knows they did a good job. You should also be sure to train them how to be around kids — much like your child shouldn’t pull their ears, dogs shouldn’t chase after every kid they see either.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to having a pup who loves kids as much as our resident crossing guard.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Nicole Carlino
Nicole Carlino
Editor
Why do dogs bite their paws? There are many reasons for this behavior
Some reasons may be surprising
A puppy's paws crossed in the grass

If you've noticed your dog biting their paws, you're certainly not alone. Many pet parents have taken to Google to search "dog biting paws," but it can take a lot of research and observation to get a clear-cut answer. In the end, there are many reasons a dog may lick or bite at their paws, and you'll need to pay closer attention to your pup to see what may be going on. This may include physically examining their paws, including the toenails and between the paw pads. If that doesn't do the trick, a veterinarian's exam might be necessary to get to the root of the problem.

But before you dial the phone, read up on these reasons for paw biting to see if anything matches up with what your dog is experiencing.

Read more
Why do dogs bark? An expert guide to every yip, howl, and arf
Find out what this kind of communication means
A dog barks in front of a yellow background

Most of us hear dogs barking frequently, some even every day or multiple times. You might look forward to the sound of your pooch greeting you with a happy bark at the door or dread an angry snarl from the neighbor's poorly behaved beastie, but there's a lot more to barking than meets the ear.

This complex form of communication actually can have many different meanings both on its own and coupled with other indicators, like body language. While your dog barking at nothing might annoy you when it happens at 3 a.m., you'll be far better prepared to handle it if you understand what's behind the noise.

Read more
Is it safe to keep dogs outside in winter? You’d better follow these guidelines
Important tips on how to keep outside dogs warm in winter weather
A red and white Shiba Inu jumps through the snow in a fenced backyard

As temperatures plummet this winter, you may be bundling up in layers of jackets, blankets, and hats. Not your pup, though! Since many dogs have thick coats that insulate and give them weatherproof fur, your furry friend may not mind the cold.
Whatever their breed, it’s important to take some extra steps to keep your dog comfy and warm throughout the colder months — including being open to bringing them indoors. No matter how much a pup enjoys the cold, rain, or snow, no dog should be left outside during extreme weather conditions.
Even so, it's important to know how to keep outside dogs warm in winter weather. It's about more than their comfort -- it's about their safety! Let's discuss practical tips and tricks, including if and when it's safe to let your dog brave the elements.

Can an outdoor dog stay outside in winter?
Whether a dog will stay safe and comfortable while outside in the winter depends on a variety of factors, including the temperature, the weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.), your dog’s fur, their individual preferences, and their outdoor setup.
For example, winters in Southern California can be mild enough for dogs to stay outside year-round, while a Minnesota winter is too much for most pups. A Northern dog breed like an Alaskan Malamute may barely notice the temperature change — they may even love the snow — while some Chihuahuas wear sweaters year-round. Double-coated breeds or those with thick undercoats are best suited to cold weather, though no dog is invincible.
Legally, it can be considered neglect to leave a dog out in the cold for extended periods of time. So, if you have to keep your pet outdoors, make sure to set them up with adequate shelter, food, water, and space. This may even include a dog house heater! Keep reading to find out how to keep your beloved fur baby as cozy as possible while the winter rages on.

Read more