The second week of April is all about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves — preventing dog bites. While it’s hard to imagine your sweet pup ever biting anyone, the truth is, any dog can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances. That’s exactly why National Dog Bite Prevention Week exists — to help educate dog owners, families, and communities on how to prevent bites before they happen.
Dog Bites Happen More Than You Think
Every year, millions of dog bites are reported in the U.S. alone, and surprisingly, many of them involve family pets. It’s not that dogs are “bad” — it’s often because they’re scared, overwhelmed, or feel the need to protect themselves. Even the gentlest dogs have limits, and recognizing what triggers those moments can go a long way toward preventing accidents.
Top Tips for Preventing Dog Bites
🐾 Know Your Dog’s Signals – Dogs speak through body language. Yawning, lip licking, turning away, or stiffening up are signs that your dog may be feeling uncomfortable or anxious. Recognizing these signs early can help you step in before things escalate.
🐾 Teach Kids the Right Way to Interact – Kids love to be around dogs, but not every dog loves being hugged, poked, or grabbed. Teach children to respect a dog’s space, and always ask permission before approaching a dog they don’t know.
🐾 Socialize, But Go Slow – Exposing your dog to new people, places, and situations is important, but go at their pace. Not all dogs are social butterflies, and that’s perfectly okay. Every dog has their own comfort zone.
🐾 Avoid Surprises – Sudden hugs, reaching over their head, or grabbing their food bowl can startle even the calmest pup. When in doubt, give your dog space. It’s better to be cautious than risk a surprise reaction.
🐾 Supervise, Always – Whether you’re introducing your dog to new people or just having a playdate, keeping a close eye on interactions is key. By observing carefully, you can step in before things get tense.
Bite Prevention Starts with Us
At the end of the day, most dog bites are preventable when we pay attention to body language, set our dogs up for success, and teach everyone (including kids) how to safely interact with dogs. National Dog Bite Prevention Week is the perfect time to refresh those skills, have meaningful conversations with family and friends, and make sure your dog feels safe and understood.
Because when dogs feel safe and confident, they can truly be their best selves — happy tails and all!
Bonus Tip for Happy Walks: As you’re working on preventing dog bites and improving your dog’s comfort, don’t forget to make walks more enjoyable. With the 2 Fur Doodie Dog Harness, you’ll have a hands-free experience that keeps both you and your dog comfortable during walks. Whether it's a trip to the park or a new adventure, the 2 Fur Doodie lets you focus on enjoying your time together — without the hassle of carrying poop bags!
