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Children are not only the age group that is most at risk for experiencing dog bites, but these bites often inflict injuries that are much more serious than those an adolescent or adult would experience. Making sure that your dog is properly trained and adjusted to living in an environment with other people will help.  himEducation and supervision are extremely important when you have a small child and a dog interacting with each other.

1. Observe Dog Body Language

It is often easier for an adult to tell when a dog is being playful or defensive than it is for a child, which makes it important to educate children on the cues a dog will give that say to back off.

2. Socializing Your Pets

From an early age, your dog should be socialized and taught not to exhibit aggressive behavior.

4. Supervision of Children Under Eight Years of Age

It is important to supervise your children while they are with your dog at a young age so that you can intervene when a child acts improperly or provokes the dog.

5. Teaching Children Not to Approach Stray Dogs

A faithful and loving family pet may give children the impression that all dogs are as trustworthy and gentle. Inform your children of the risk associated with stray dogs and educate them on how to react if a stray dog acts defensive or looks as though it will attack. Running away will often encourage the dog to chase, so it is important that you or your child move away slowly if you encounter a strange dog and not to stare, as this can often be interpreted as a challenge.

Jonathan Rosenfeld is an attorney in Chicago and represents children and adults in dog bite cases. He also publishes Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers (www.chicagodogbiteinjurylawyers.com)