Each year, dogs bite 4.5 million people in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of that number, the American Society of Plastic Surgery reports that 60 percent are children. Children ages 5 to 9 have the highest risk of being bitten. Teaching your child how to approach, play with and behave around dogs can prevent many bites. It is important that while you provide your child with information to keep him safe, you do not make him unnecessarily fearful of dogs.
Step 1
Explain that your child should never approach a strange dog. If a strange dog approaches her, she should stand calmly and try to place something, such as her backpack, between her and the dog. Never scream or run away.
Step 2
Demonstrate how your child should roll into a ball if a dog knocks him over. He should cover the back of his neck with clasped hands and lie still.
Step 3
Show your child how to approach a friend or neighbor's dog that she wants to pet. Only approach with permission and supervision of an adult, do not stare directly into the dog's eyes and extend one hand toward the dog so that he can sniff it and decide if he wants to interact.
Step 4
Teach your child fun, interactive games to play with dogs that do not encourage aggressive behavior. Playing fetch and teaching the family dog tricks is a fun way to spend time with your dog. Avoid games of tug-of-war and keep-away.
Step 5
Tell your child not to disturb dogs that are eating or sleeping. Bothering dogs when they are engaged in these activities increases the likelihood of a bite.
