How to Keep a Dog From Biting a Child

Dogs pose a serious safety concern to children. According to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, about one million people report dog bites every year, and about 60 percent of those victims are children. If a dog is frightened, accidentally startled or attacked, it will bite an individual or display an aggressive attitude toward that individual as a result. Consider implementing a variety of different methods to successfully keep a dog from biting a child.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Training class
  • Muzzle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Supervise the dog and child. Many situations that lead to a dog biting a child can be avoided if an adult is present to supervise the dog and child at all times.

    • 2

      Teach the child the correct way to interact with the dog. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine recommends teaching the child to avoid staring at the dog, playing rough with the dog, running away from the dog, trying to hug the dog, teasing the dog and yelling or throwing objects at the dog, because each action will make the dog feel threatened and increase the odds it will bite as a result.

    • 3

      Educate the child about the common signs a dog displays when it's about to bite. According to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the dog may be ready to bite if it is cowering, has its ears flat or pushed back against its head, has its tail low or between its legs, is growling, has hair standing up on its back, has a stiff body, is staring at the child or has its teeth bared.

    • 4

      Socialize the dog with children of all ages on a regular basis. The more time a dog spends around children, the less likely it will bite them.

    • 5

      Spay or neuter the dog. According to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs that have been spayed or neutered are less likely to feature an aggressive attitude or behavior. Call a veterinarian to have the dog fixed.

    • 6

      Enroll the dog in a dog training class or behavioral program. Training classes or behavioral programs may help alleviate the dog's social anxiety and aggression toward children. Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on dog training classes or behavioral programs in your area.

    • 7

      Place a muzzle on the dog. A muzzle is a device that is fastened around a dog's jaw or mouth and will prevent the dog from biting. The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine recommends individuals avoid using muzzles that hold the dog's mouth shut as they don't allow the dog to pant properly.

    • 8

      Keep the dog away from the child. If the dog continues its aggressive behavior toward the child, remove the dog from the child's presence and confine it to a separate room or area.