The Numbers Behind Dog Bites to Children — And Why They're Preventable
Category: Family / Children and Dogs
Family Paws, founded by Jennifer Shryock in 2002 and specializing in dog-and-child dynamics for nearly two decades, distills their entire approach into one memorable line: "Dog and baby on the scene? A parent in between." Supervision, in their framework, doesn't mean simply being in the room — it means being close enough to read your dog's body language and physically intervene before a small moment becomes a bite.
What active supervision actually looks like
Read body language before your dog reaches their limit. Being present during interactions lets you notice discomfort early — stiffening, moving away, showing the whites of the eyes — long before growling or snapping.
Advocate for your dog's space, not just your child's safety. Baby gates, exercise pens, and designated "success stations" are proactive tools that prevent forced interactions your dog never consented to.
Skip forced interactions entirely. A dog should never be made to tolerate being climbed on, hugged, or cornered by a child just because it makes a good photo — Family Paws is direct that this is a common, preventable bite trigger.
Everyone in a child's life needs the same awareness, not just parents. Grandparents, babysitters, and regular visitors all need to understand canine body language and appropriate supervision too.
If you're expecting a baby, not just raising a toddler
Family Paws' guidance explicitly covers both stages — dogs meeting a new baby for the first time, and dogs navigating the very different dynamic of a mobile, curious toddler — because the supervision needs and risks genuinely differ between the two.
If a bite has already happened
Family Paws operates a dedicated, confidential support line (877-247-3407) specifically for families who've experienced a dog growl or bite involving a child, staffed to provide non-judgmental guidance rather than an automatic rehoming recommendation.
For LeashAgain adopters bringing a rescue dog into a home with kids — or expecting a baby after adoption — this is one of the highest-value areas to get ahead of early, before a specific incident forces the issue.
Source: Family Paws Parent Education
