8 Ways to Keep Kids Safe from Dog Bites

By Peter Lopatin, Webvet.comUpdated: Mar. 20, 2019

Biting is every dog owner and parent’s worst nightmare. Follow these easy tips to make sure your child knows how to play safely with dogs of all sizes.

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Keeping Kids Safe Around Dogs

Dogs can make great playmates for kids. Here’s how to minimize your child’s chances of being bitten by one of them:

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1. Respect Your Dog

Children should be taught to respect their pets; this includes not disturbing them while they’re eating, sleeping, or chewing or playing with a toy or bone.

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2. Give Dogs Space

Dogs should never be cornered against a wall or furniture, or in their resting places.

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3. Appearances Can be Deceiving

Teach your children that unfamiliar dogs – no matter how small, cute or fluffy – should not be touched or approached without adult permission.

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4. Hold Your Ground

Kids should be taught to walk away slowly and not to run – when confronted by a growling dog.

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5. Keep Some Distance

Children should avoid close face-to-face contact with dogs.

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6. Enhance Your Dog’s Familiarity

Puppy owners should expose their young dogs to a variety of other pets as well as children of different ages. Familiarity reduces fear.

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7. Get them Fixed

Non-neutered male dogs are more likely to bite than are neutered ones, so consider having them neutered.

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8. Know Your Dog’s History

Never leave an infant or small child unattended with a dog. A dog with a history of biting should be confined or restrained in the presence of small children.

Originally Published: September 23, 2011