Kids & Pets – Tips for Preventing Dog Bites

By Suzanne Alicie

As a responsible pet owner, I have to be diligent in making sure that my dog Bear doesn’t bite someone. When we go for a walk most adults know how to approach a strange dog, or at least know better than to run up squealing and jumping around. Children, on the other hand, are naturally exuberant and excited to see a dog and they all want to pet her; she’s big and fluffy, and just draws them in.

Unfortunately, Bear is not very social and really does not appreciate the excitement of children that she doesn’t know. This can lead to heart stopping moments when I’m praying that Bear won’t snap at someone, or that the parents will take charge of their children so that I don’t have to tell the child, “STOP, don’t touch the dog.” Because then children cry and parents get angry because I’ve yelled at their child. They don’t realize that I’m trying to protect them.

I’d rather yell at their child than have my dog cause them to be hurt or even scared of dogs. Sometimes her barks and growls are pretty scary too, and she does get vocal when she feels crowded or threatened. I believe children should have a healthy fear of many things, but especially dogs. This is different from a real fear, and is more of a respect and knowledge of the possibility that the dog could bite.

As parents, it’s important that you teach your children not to approach strange dogs and if you have dogs and children you must teach your child to respect your dog as a member of the family. They have to understand that they could harm the dog if they play too rough, which could also make the dog bite them. Children aren’t mean intentionally, but sometimes they forget that their dog isn’t a stuffed animal and may try to pick him up by his tail or pull his hair while they are playing.

Feeding time is the time to keep your kids away from the dog completely. Even the most well trained dog could give in to instinct and snap at a child who gets too close to them while they are eating. In your own home and with your own children, all it usually takes to prevent dog bites is to accustom your children to being around a dog and respecting the dog’s space.

When you take your dog out, it may be wise to consider a muzzle to protect children from bites and always make sure that your harness, leash and collar are in good shape. An escaped dog running to-and-fro incites people to help you by chasing him. This could lead to strangers getting a bite for their efforts, especially children who think they are helping.

Even if you have a nice dog who likes children, it’s always important to make sure that strange children approach the dog calmly and give your pooch time to sniff them before they reach for him. Always carry a few CANIDAE dog treats when you go to the park so that you can help children become acquainted with your dog and reward your dog at the same time for being so well behaved.

Top photo by Ernst Vikne
Bottom photo by Mr. Dtb

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

State Farm Insurance shares dog bite claim info - and tips to avoid getting bit in the first place

Many insurance companies won’t provide homeowner’s insurance if you own a pit bull. This is our scary pit bull. Run, before she kisses you with her poop breath.

May 15-21 is National Dog Bite Week, and in preparation State Farm has released information about dog bite claims, along with some information on how to avoid getting bit in the first place.

According to the press release, “State Farm paid more than $ 90 million as a result of the nearly 3,500 dog bite claims in 2010.” California topped the list, with 369 claims totaling an estimated $ 11.3 million. New York landed at #9, with 119 claims totaling an estimated $ 4.3 million.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that in 2009, insurers across the country paid more than $ 412 million in dog bite claims.

Here is some more info, from the press release:

A dog’s tendency to bite depends on such factors as heredity, obedience training, socialization, health, and the victim’s behavior. There are good dogs and bad dogs within every breed, just as there can be responsible and irresponsible owners of each breed. State Farm does not refuse insurance based on the breed of dog a customer owns* but does require policyholders to answer questions about their dogs’ history on a homeowner insurance application.

(* The state of Ohio has determined that the pit bull meets the definition of a “vicious dog”. As a result, the owners of pit bulls or any American Staffordshire terrier mix are subject to specific requirements to protect the public from injury by these animals. State Farm does not provide coverage under its homeowner’s policy in the state for this breed of dog.)

Children are frequent victims of dog bites. In fact, 60 percent of all dog bite victims are children under the age of 12. Tragically, of the 33 dog bites that resulted in death last year, 20 of these fatalities were young children.  

In addition to stressing responsible pet ownership, State Farm encourages responsible behavior and caution around dogs, including family pets.  Under the right circumstances, any dog might bite.

• NEVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.


• Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.


• Start teaching young children — including toddlers — to be careful around pets.


• Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs.


• Always ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting any dog.

For more information about dog bite prevention, visit the State Farm Learning Center or the American Veterinary Medical Association.