Ask the Dog: Teaching Children How to Approach Animals | Episode 80

This episode features Steve Dale, one of the nation’s most trusted voices on companion-animal behavior. For decades, Steve has helped millions of pet guardians better understand the animals who share their lives—through his long-running radio show “Steve Dale’s Pet World,” national television appearances, and more than a dozen books translating animal-behavior science into practical, humane guidance.

His newest book, “Ask the Dog!,” may be his most important yet—and it’s written for children. (It is available for purchase here and through other booksellers.)

At a time when dog-bite injuries are at historic highs and children account for a large share of those incidents, “Ask the Dog!” introduces a simple but powerful idea: before interacting with a dog, you don’t just ask the person holding the leash—you also “ask the dog.” Through an engaging story, the book teaches children how dogs communicate through body language, how to recognize consent and discomfort, and why respecting those signals matters.

Steve joins the show to discuss what dogs are telling us that we often miss—and how learning to listen can make children safer and deepen empathy on both ends of the leash.

The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. 

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