Ways to Prevent Dog Bites

• Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household.

• Dogs with a history of aggression are not appropriate in households with children.  You should never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.

• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.

• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. 

• Spay/neuter virtually all dogs.  This frequently reduces aggressive tendencies.

• Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied up or confined behind a fence or in a car.  A wagging tail is not always a friendly signal.

• Do not play aggressive games with your dog like wrestling or being rough.

• Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly.

• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

• Do not grab a dog's ears, tail, feet or lean over a dog.

• NEVER ignore or make excuses for any aggressive behavior your dog exhibits! Dogs rarely bite without warning signs.

• If a dog attacks, never scream and run.  Remain motionless with hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Remain motionless until the dog loses interest in you, then slowly back away.

• If the dog does attack, try to put a large object between you and the dog such as a tree or car, even a jacket or purse.

• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless.  Try not to scream or roll around.

 [back to Articles]