How to Prevent Dog Bites

Each year in the U.S. alone, dogs bite an estimated 4.5 million people. The majority of dog bite victims are children and senior citizens. About 800,000 of these people need medical attention as the result of the bite or attack. Of these, about 15 – 20 die from their injuries.^{[1]XResearch source} It is very important for children and adults learn how to prevent a dog bite from happening in the first place. Dog owners are also responsible for doing everything they can to prevent their dog from biting humans and other animals.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Interacting with Other People's Dogs

1
Learn the warning signs of biting. Dogs do try to communicate with us, and you can learn to read their body language to pick up if a dog is tense, afraid or anxious and therefore more likely to bite. Never approach or make eye contact with a dog that is outside their comfort zone, as they may decide attack is the best form of defense. Signs of stress in dogs are:^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- A stiff tail
- An erect tail slowly wagging back and forth
- Ears flattened back
- Tense body
- Yawning
- Flicking of tongue
- Licking lips
- Staring
- Growling
- Baring teeth
2
Ask the owner's permission to introduce yourself to a dog. Most dogs you encounter will not be aggressive or want to bite you. A safe way to introduce yourself to a dog is to first ask the owner if it's alright to approach the dog. If they say it's okay, allow the dog to investigate you before you touch them. They will do this by smelling your hand.
- Try holding your hand in a cup to introduce yourself to smaller dogs.
- Hold your hand in a relaxed manner in front of a large dog, like a loose fist exposing the back of your hand first.
- Do NOT reach over their head to pet them upon first introduction. They may see that motion as a threat and bite.
- Dogs are naturally curious and may want to sniff you or approach you slowly. This is usually not threatening behavior. But, if you don't allow a dog to investigate you before you try to touch it, it may bite in self-defense.
- Never surprise a dog and touch it when it is not expecting it.
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3
Get away from an aggressive dog, but don't run. If you encounter a dog that appears to be tense, do not stare at the dog’s eyes. Slowly back away to a place of safety, putting a sturdy barrier between you and the dog.^{[3]XExpert SourceBelgin Altundag
Certified Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 26 February 2021}
- An anxious dog may consider eye contact to be a threat.
- Whatever happens, do not run. Dogs have a natural instinct to chase their prey. By running, you can can trigger this instinct.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- If a dog attack appears immanent, don't move. Stand very still. Tell the dog, "No, go home" in firm voice. Don't shout, as this may make the dog more anxious.
- Try "being a tree." Stand still and fold your hands (your "branches) in front of you. Lower your head and look at your feet (your "roots"). Stay still and count your breaths until the dog goes away or help comes. This stance is less threatening and less interesting to a dog.^{[5]XResearch source}
4
Avoid the bite of an attacking dog. If a dog charges you and appears as though it will attack, do what you can to stay away from its teeth.
- Try to put something in its path: your backpack, purse, or a jacket. Let it bite that instead of you.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
- If you get knocked down, curl into a tight ball with your head tucked in and arms around your head, neck and ears. This will make it harder for the dog to bite you in a place that will do serious harm.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Teaching Children to Avoid Bites

1
Tell children to seek an adult. Children should be taught the basics of how to interact with dogs. But, there are also some other things you can teach your child to avoid dog bites. First and foremost, tell children to talk to adults about dogs they don't know.
- Instruct children to tell an adult if they see a dog running loose in the area.
- Teach them never to touch a dog without an adult’s permission. Ideally this would be the owner, who will know if the dog is safe around children or strangers.
2
Teach children to respect a dog's territory. You should tell your child not go near a dog chained or tied up in a yard, behind a fence, or in a car.
- Dogs may see these areas as their territory and they may defend this territory aggressively.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Do not let your child hug a dog. Hugging a dog is a common way that children get bitten, especially in the face.^{[9]XResearch source}
- A hug from a child puts the child’s face right near the dog’s mouth. If a dog feels threatened and it can do serious harm to your child.
4
Teach children to play gently with dogs. Playing rough can elicit a rough response from a dog or get it overly excited. It may forget it’s manners and bite.
- Tell your child never to hit a dog.
- Children should never try to take a dog's toys or tease a dog. These can both provoke biting.
5
Instruct your child to avoid startling a dog. Even a non-aggressive dog may bite if it is startled or perceives sudden threat. In particular, teach children not to touch or bother dogs that are:
- Sleeping
- Eating
- Chewing on a rawhide or bone
- Cornered. Never corner a dog — always leave an escape route for the dog to run past them if the dog feels threatened.
- You should also tell children to be especially be careful around a mother dog with her puppies. She may think the child is a threat to her pups.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Teaching Your Dog Not to Bite

1
Begin socializing your dog early. If you own a dog, you have a special responsibility for preventing bites. Dogs that feel uncomfortable or threatened around new people or other dogs are more likely to bite.
- Ideally, you should start socializing your dog between three and 12 weeks of age.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- Introduce your dog to other people and animals first in a familiar environment like your home. Then, bring the dog out into new environments. This will ease your dog's fears and improve his behavior around others.
- Get your dog accustomed to eating around people. Most bites occur when someone tries to pet a dog that is eating. If your dog is still a puppy, you can teach it to respond calmly to distractions while it is eating. Push its head away from the bowl in a friendly and unchallenging way. Temporarily take the bowl. Push or rub the dog, then give it a treat.^{[11]XResearch source} This will socialize the dog to people being around it while it is eating, reducing the risk of a biting.
2
Teach your dog basic commands. Training your dog to sit, stay, and drop his toys on command will teach your dog discipline. A well disciplined dog is easier to keep out of trouble.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Give your dog a treat when it does one of the behaviors you want to teach it. Pair the treat with a voice command. Eventually, the dog will learn to associate the command with the behavior.
- Teach your dog to come to you on command. This can be very useful for removing a dog from a dangerous situation.
- Have your dog sit and wait before placing its food dish down. This is a good exercise to reinforce daily the idea that humans are allowed pick up the dog's food dish.
3
Play non-aggressive games with your dog. Play games that don't encourage biting. Games like "fetch" will allow your dog to enjoy playing without teaching bad habits.
- Games like tug-of-war can strengthen a dog's instinct to bite. Such games can make a dog feel that biting is acceptable behavior.
- The same is true if you allow your puppy to nip your hands. That behavior can mean trouble when the puppy gets bigger. When it does nip say “no bite” and give it an appropriate chew toy instead.
4
Teach puppies that biting is unwelcome. One good way to stop biting behavior is to communicate in ways that are similar to how the mother dog or littermates might.
- If your puppy nips at you, squeal or yip. This will usually surprise the pup and make it back off.^{[13]XResearch source}
- If dog persists in nipping at you, grab the loose skin on the pup’s neck and give a very small shake while saying "no." Then, turn your back on the puppy. Most puppies will get the idea that biting will cause you to stop playing. Once they understand this, they soon will stop that behavior.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
5
Be a loving and responsible owner. While it's important to discipline your dog, do not discipline him by hitting him or by other violent means. Give your dog plenty of attention and make sure he knows that people are his best friends.
- Neglected or abused dogs are much more likely to bite people than dogs that know a loving home.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Avoiding High-Risk Situations with Your Dog

1
Keep your dog healthy and vaccinated. Make sure your dog has all the required shots, and schedule regular veterinary exams. A sick dog is a dangerous and potentially deadly dog, no matter how gentle or well-trained it normally is.
- As a dog ages, pain from arthritis or chronic health conditions can make them grumpy and more prone to biting. Keeping these conditions under control can prevent some of these behavioral changes.
- A vet can also let you know if you need to be more gentle with your dog as it ages.
- Keeping your dog up-to-date on its vaccinations will also reduce the risk that it might transmit a disease if it does bite.
2
Keep your dog on a leash when out and about. A leash is the most effective bite-prevention device available. Unless you have taught your dog a very solid recall, keep your dog leashed.
- If you know your dog gets nervous around strange people and animals, consider also using a soft muzzle or a head halter on walks. This can prevent aggressive behavior such as barking and nipping.
- A strong recall means your dog will obey your voice commands. Teach your dog "Sit," "Down," "Come," and "Look," which can provide you with the tools to distract or control your dog in a risky situation.
3
Keep your dog away from trouble situations. As a pet owner, you know your dog's personality and dislikes, and you are in the best position to keep it out of trouble. Avoiding situations where a dog may bite is an effective means of prevention.
- If you know that dog doesn't interact well with other dogs, don't bring him to the neighborhood dog park. If your dog gets aggressive around delivery men, keep your dog in another room when you answer the door.^{[15]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
4
Split up dog fights carefully. If your dog gets in a fight with another, you'll want to act fast but cautiously to avoid injury. If possible, try not to touch the dogs at all.
- Spraying the dogs with a water hose might work.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- If the fight is not too serious, human breath spray (Listerine or Binaca) is disgusting to most dogs, but not harmful. A spray of it may cause both dogs to flee.
- If you have to touch the dogs, grab them by the hind legs to pull them apart. Don't touch them near their collars, heads or shoulders.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- If both dogs seem to want to keep fighting, try to drag one through a doorway or gate, and use the door/gate to separate them, or tug on a leash. Using a barrier to get between the dogs (like a chair or a baby gate) may also work, depending upon the size and strength of the dogs. ^{[18]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal crueltyGo to source}
- If it is a fight between two large and powerful dogs it is best to wait for appropriate help.
5
Muzzle an injured dog before moving it. A dog in pain may lash out.^{[19]XResearch source} If you need to move an injured dog, you can make a makeshift muzzle out of a long piece of gauze or a leash. Wrap it securely around the dog’s muzzle.
- One person (preferably the owner) should handle the dog’s head, securely holding the muzzle. Another can lift the dog's body.
- Wear a heavy coat or jacket and thick gloves to further prevent bite injuries. Covering a dog's head with a coat or shirt might also help prevent bites.
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Expert Q&A

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Question
What triggers a dog to bite?
Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Belgin Altundag is a Certified Dog Trainer and the Owner of Happy Doggies Day Care/Day Camp in West Hollywood, California. A passionate animal lover, Belgin is knowledgeable about multiple training styles, including obedience training, problem-solving, activity training, and behavior modification. In addition to being an Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Belgin has also completed the Training Cesar's Way Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training Programs 1 and 2 and is certified by the American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First-Aid.
Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Answer
Looking directly into a dog's eyes and running away could make a dog more likely to bite.
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Question
What should I do when surrounded by lots of dogs that are staring at me and there's no one there to help me?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
It's best to stand still, but adopt confident body language with a straight back and head held high. Avoid making eye contact with the dogs. It may be they are simply curious. Avoid running. This triggers the dogs' natural instinct to give chase.
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Question
What is the most vicious breed?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Some breeds have a reputation for aggression, whereas in fact it any dog can be aggressive if they aren't properly socialized as a puppy and not trained. Many of the traditionally aggressive breeds have gained this reputation through having inappropriate owners. It is not fair to stigmatize a breed by labelling it as aggressive — instead it is better to say there are breeds that need more experienced owners in order to adequately train them to be good canine citizens.
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Tips

Try to anticipate problems if you see another dog ahead when walking your dog. Even if your dog is friendly, that doesn't mean everyone else's is.
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If you leave your dog in the yard alone, make sure the yard is securely fenced and is escape-proof.
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Understand that just about any dog can inflict a serious bite. Small dogs injure plenty of people. A larger dog, though, can inflict more damage or even a lethal bite.
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Warnings

If your dog bites someone, you may be liable for monetary damages. This may be true even if there is no serious injury. You may also have your homeowners insurance canceled or have insurance denied. Depending on the severity of the bite, your dog could be considered a nuisance and might even be euthanized. This is especially true if it is not the first time your dog has bitten someone.
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