Invite your toddler to discover what dogs look like, how they sound, and how we interact with them. Through songs, books, a soft stuffed toy dog, and a textured card, your child will explore the idea of dogs using their senses and growing language skills.
From page to play: Here’s a toddler-friendly intro to the world of woofs and wagging tails.
About This Play Plan:
Use this play plan to help your toddler build a clear, familiar picture of what a dog is through playful repetition and real-world connection. By combining books, songs, textures, and pretend play, your child gets to hear the word “dog,” feel a soft version of it, and explore what it means when we say “woof woof.”
This is a wonderful play plan to enjoy before introducing your toddler to a real dog. It gives them time to become familiar with what a dog looks like, how it sounds, and how we interact with it: through stories, songs, and play. By the time your child meets a real dog, the word “dog” will already carry meaning, making the experience feel more familiar and less overwhelming.
How to Use This Plan:
- Gather Your Materials: Check the list below for everything you’ll need.
- Follow the 5E Tabs: Each tab provides step-by-step guidance, creative ideas, and reflection prompts to make the experience more meaningful.
- Let Your Child Lead: Observe how your child interacts with the materials and adjust based on their interests and developmental stage.
Spark your child’s curiosity:
Start with a cozy read-aloud of a board book about dogs, pointing to the images and saying the word “dog” clearly.
This is also a great opportunity to teach them dogs’ sounds, such as “woof, woof”.
We read two books: the Lovevery “My First Words” during bedtime the night before and a book on puppies the following morning.
Encourage hands-on exploration:
If your toddler enjoys touch-and-feel books, offer the textured dog card and say, “This is a dog. Can you feel its fur?” Let them hold and explore the texture as you say the word.
You can also sing a playful, dog-themed song like B-I-N-G-O or How Much is That Doggy in the Window.
Use a dog stuffie to act out the song or gently bounce it to the rhythm. Let your toddler hug, hold, or “pet” the dog as you sing together. This adds a sensory and emotional layer to the experience.
Provide simple, age-appropriate explanations:
Show your toddler how to gently touch and care for a dog using the dog toy.
Create simple pretend-play scenarios with the dog stuffie, like “Let’s give the dog a snack!” or “Where is the dog going?” This kind of imaginative play helps your toddler connect the idea of a dog to actions and emotions.
This is a great way to teach respect for animals and prepare your child for real-life interactions with pets.
Expand on the activity:
Screen-Free Option: Flip through other books that feature dogs or point out dogs in everyday life, on a walk, in a photo, or in a magazine. Talk about how they look, move, or sound compared to the toy.
Screen-Okay Option: Show a short, toddler-friendly video of real dogs walking, playing, or barking. Watch together and say, “That’s a real dog. It says woof woof!”
Here’s one video on how to care for a pet dog (featuring a cute small dog).
Here’s a more instructional video on what dogs are, with clips of different dogs.
Reflect on how your child responded to the play:
- What part of the play did your toddler enjoy most: singing, touching the card, or playing with the toy dog?
- Did they try copying the “woof woof” sound?
- How did they respond when you pointed to or said the word “dog”?
- Did they recognize the dog in different forms (book, card, toy)?
- Were they excited, focused, or calm during the activity?
When you’re ready to introduce your toddler to a real dog, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Always ask the dog’s owner if it’s okay before approaching.
- Let the dog come to your child first; no sudden moves or grabbing.
- Show your child how to gently touch the dog’s back or side (never the face or tail).
- Stay close during the interaction and watch both your child and the dog carefully.
Materials List:
- Dog-themed board books, such as Lovevery’s “My First Words” book (featuring a dog and “woof woof”)
- Pictures of real dogs, such as the Dog from Lovevery’s ‘Things I See’ Texture Cards (in the Inspector Play Kit)
- Dog stuffie or plush toy
- Music source for dog songs like B-I-N-G-O or How Much Is That Doggy in the Window
- Optional: short video or sound clip of a real dog barking
Tips for the Grown-Ups:
Follow the Child’s Lead:
Observe how your child interacts with the playthings. Let them guide the session by following their interests. If they show a preference for exploring textures, sounds, or colors, embrace it. Be a silent observer, ready to expand their learning with gentle, supportive language.
Create a Calm, Inviting Space:
Set up a clutter-free area that encourages focused exploration. Use natural light and simple setups to inspire curiosity. If the weather permits, take the play outside for a richer sensory experience, connecting with the natural world.
Encourage Open-Ended Play:
Embrace imaginative twists and unexpected uses for the toys. If the activity takes a surprising turn, celebrate this as a sign of growing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving.
Our Own Play Experience
Growing up in the Philippines, I was always surrounded by dogs. We had several beloved pets over the years, and two of them—Abbey and Chippy—were with me until just a few years before my husband and I moved to Canada. After they passed away of old age, I knew I needed to take a pause before bringing another dog into our lives. The truth is, dogs are a big responsibility, and right now, as new parents and immigrants, we’re still finding our rhythm.
But I do want our daughter to grow up loving dogs as much as we do. This play plan has been a gentle, joyful way to introduce her to how wonderful they can be. We used a small black stuffed dog named Salt (a gift from my husband over a decade ago!) that’s traveled the world with us. It’s sat quietly in her play space for months, barely touched. But once we started this play plan, something shifted.
She began to notice Salt. She pats it. Hugs it. Even touches its nose with the sweetest curiosity. It’s been beautiful to watch.
We often see dogs on our neighborhood walks, and she’s already learning to recognize them from a distance. And when the time comes, if and when she decides she’s ready to care for one, we’ll be right there beside her, ready to welcome a new furry friend into the family.
Please Note: I am a proud Lovevery subscriber and fan, and many of the play plans shared here feature Lovevery playthings. However, this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lovevery. All ideas and recommendations are my own, based on my experiences as a mom who values meaningful, play-based learning.
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