Kids and Dogs: 5 Things That Prevent Dog Bites

Most dog bites to children are preventable, but few families are ever taught how. In this episode of Cesar Unleashed, Cesar Millan shares the five rules he teaches his own grandchildren at the Dog Psychology Center so they stay safe around dogs.

Whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog, or your kids simply meet dogs at the park, these steps teach children calm energy, how to tell a calm dog from an excited one, and which dogs are naturally easiest around kids.

• Be silent and patient. Children should let the dog come to them.
• Breathe before meeting a dog. Calm breathing creates calm energy the dog can read.
• No touch, no talk, no eye contact. The universal first-meeting rule for kids.
• Manage excitement and joy. Gentle affection and safe play, never chasing or hugging an excited dog.
• Adults choose the right dog and situation. Supervision plus a well-exercised dog prevents almost every bite.

How do you prevent a dog from biting a child?

Teach the child silence, patience and calm breathing, follow the no touch, no talk, no eye contact rule, keep play gentle, and make sure an adult supervises and the dog has been exercised.

What dogs are safest around kids?

Cesar explains that calm, surrendered dogs, usually back or middle-of-the-pack dogs, are naturally easier around children than happy-go-lucky, highly excited dogs.

Should kids hug dogs?

Not when meeting a dog. Hugs and excited play can overwhelm a dog; children should start with calm, gentle affection once the dog is relaxed.