How To Prevent Dog Bites: 11 Smart Habits Everyone Should Know

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 15
5 min read

Dog bites might sound like a rare fluke, but they’re more common than you’d expect. The reality is that every dog is capable of biting if pushed far enough.

In the U.S. alone, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dogs bite more than 4.5 million people each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention.

Fortunately, most dog bites are preventable with a little awareness, understanding, and training. Here are 10 bite-prevention basics every dog owner (and human) should know.

1. Learn Dog Body Language

Dogs “talk” all the time, just not with words. The good news is that they usually show warning signs before they bite.

Learn to recognize common stress signals they convey in their body language, including:

Avoiding eye contact
Ears pinned back
Growling or snarling
Licking lips or yawning when not tired
Stiff posture or tail tucked

Ignoring these signals can lead to bites, especially if a dog feels trapped or scared. Respect their warning signs and give them space.

Learn More: Dog Body Language

2. Don’t Bother Dogs While They Eat or Drink

You wouldn’t want someone sticking their hand in your dinner or taking away your milkshake before you finished it. Why would you expect a dog to be ok with it?

Guarding food is instinctual, even in the sweetest dogs. Don’t pet, talk to, or hover near a dog while they’re eating or drinking. And don’t needlessly try to pull their food away from them just to assert your dominance.

If you need to get your dog to leave their food or water bowl while they are eating or drinking, work on teaching a “leave it” or “out” cue so you can safely access these high-value items.

Learn More: What NOT To Do When Bringing Home a New Dog

3. Hands Off the Toys and Treats

Just like with food, dogs can get protective over their toys or treats.

Think of it this way: how mad would you be if someone gave you the latest iPhone or Android phone and then two seconds later they said, “Just kidding,” and took it away? You’d probably be pretty irritated.

It’s the same for dogs. If you need to take something away, you could trade it for something better to help build trust. But, the ideal option is likely to teach a “leave it” or “out” command so you can safely retrieve the item if your dog doesn’t want to trade.

4. Respect Their Safe Spaces

When you go to your bedroom, do you want your neighbor barging into your space? Probably not. You likely are hoping for some alone time.

It's the same for dogs. They need alone time, too. Crates, beds, and place beds are like their bedrooms.

If a dog retreats to their space, let them be. Disturbing a resting dog can result in a defensive bite.

5. Don’t Hit or Roughhouse

You wouldn't like it if someone came up to you and pulled your hair or hit you. You may even fight back. Why would you expect a different from a dog?

It should go without saying, but hitting or yanking on ears, tails, legs, or fur is a huge no. Not only is it painful and confusing for dogs, it teaches them that people aren’t safe.

Plus, rough handling contributes to fear-based aggression. Just don’t do it.

Bonus: Don't let your kids climb on or ride a dog. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

6. Don’t Scare Your Dog

We will never understand the viral trends of people doing things that startle or scare their dogs. Think about it. Do you like being startled or scared?

At least you can understand when something is a practical joke. Your dog can’t. You may make them fearful or cause them to react defensively and bite if you scare them.

So please, the next time you see a stupid TikTok trend of people spooking their dogs, be a kind human. Don’t jump on the bandwagon.

7. Don’t Run Away From a Dog

Running can trigger a dog’s prey drive, especially if they’re feeling anxious or excited. It may also encourage an aggressive dog to chase you.

If a dog is charging at you, resist the urge to sprint.

Instead, stay still, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away. You could even yell “no,” “stop,” or “sit” and hope that the dog understands those commands.

8. Stay Calm

Big movements, loud voices, and sudden touches can startle even friendly dogs. And when a dog is startled, they may bite.

Let a dog come to you first. Let them sniff you, and speak in a soft tone. Then, when they seem comfortable, you can interact with gentle pets.

When it comes to dogs you don't know, always ask the owner's permission before approaching. Not all dogs are friendly.

9. Keep Up With Training

Training isn't only about obedience. It also helps with communication and confidence. You'll have an easier time managing a dog who knows cues like "leave it," "stay," and "come" if you are in a stressful situation.

Beyond that, the bond you build with your dog during training will help improve your relationship with them. It can even help with things like impulse control while helping you learn how to read your dog’s body language better.

Being able to better manage your dog, helping them with impulse control, and knowing how to really read their body language helps substantially with bite prevention.

10. Advocate for Your Dog

Your dog relies on you to keep them safe. If they’re uncomfortable, it’s ok to say “no” to interactions. You should also physically step in between your dog and whatever is making them uncomfortable so they can actually see you have the situation under control.

If your dog feels like they have to handle an uncomfortable situation because you don’t have it under control, they are more likely to react. This could result in a bite.

Also, consider using tools like yellow bandanas or harnesses that say “nervous” if needed. Never let others pressure you into putting your dog in a situation that feels risky.

11. Address Health Issues

Pain is a major trigger for aggression. Dogs don’t always limp or cry when they hurt. Instead, they might snap if touched in a sore spot.

If your normally sweet pup is suddenly irritable or defensive, schedule a vet check. Conditions like arthritis, dental issues, or ear infections might be the source of their reactivity.

Bonus: Teach Kids How to Interact With Dogs

The AVMA reports that most dog bite victims are children. If you want to make sure your child doesn’t become part of that statistics, teach them to:

Always ask permission before petting a dog
Avoid hugging, kissing, or startling dogs
Never disturb a dog that's eating, sleeping, drinking, has a toy or treat, or caring for puppies
Play gently
Stay calm and move slowly

Learn More: Rules Every Child Should Know About Interacting With Dogs

Final Thoughts

When you respect a dog's space, feelings, and needs, the odds of getting bitten go down.

Take the time to understand your dog's body language, advocate for their comfort, and prioritize their training so that you can keep everyone, including your pup, safe.