URGENT CLASSROOM ALERT
Your Preschoolers Are the
Highest-Risk Group for Dog Bites
This isn't a fringe concern. CDC data is clear — and the solution takes less than 10 minutes to teach. Here's everything you need.
The Numbers Every Teacher Needs to See
68%
of pediatric facial dog bites happen in kids 5 and under
Age 3
is the single highest-risk age for dog bites in children
65%
of bites to kids under 4 are to the head or neck
~5M
dog bites per year in the U.S. — kids are more than half the victims
80–90%
of bites happen with a known dog — family pet or neighbor's dog
~50%
of all pediatric dog-bite injuries needing medical care are under age 6
Why Preschoolers Are So Vulnerable
Toddlers and preschoolers explore the world with their hands and faces. They hug dogs, climb on them, try to kiss them, and grab without warning — behaviors that dogs find threatening. They're also small, move unpredictably, and can't yet read the signals a dog sends before it reacts.
The most dangerous assumption a parent or teacher makes is "our dog would never bite." Every dog can have a bad moment. The solution isn't to avoid dogs — it's to teach children what to look for, in 2 seconds or less, every single time.
✅ What to Teach — Keep It Simple, Visual & Fun
🙋
Ask First — Always
Always ask a grown-up AND the dog's owner before petting any dog. Every single time. No exceptions.
🐕
Let the Dog Come to You
Don't run up to a dog. Don't chase it. Hold out your hand low and let the dog sniff you first.
🤲
Pet Gently — Side or Back Only
Soft hands on the side or back. Never the face, ears, or tail. Never grab.
💤
Give Space When It Needs It
Never bother a dog that's eating, sleeping, chewing a toy, or has puppies. Leave it alone.
🌳
Stand Like a Tree
If a strange dog runs up — freeze. Fold your arms. Look away (not at the dog). Stand still. No screaming, no running.
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Read the Dog in 2 Seconds
Happy tail + loose wiggly body = probably okay. Stiff body + tucked tail + growling + looking away = give space immediately.
❌ What to Never Do
🚫
No Hugging or Face-Kissing
Dogs don't love hugs the way humans do. Getting in a dog's face is one of the most common bite triggers.
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No Pulling Ears, Tail, or Climbing
Even the sweetest dog can react to pain or being startled. Hands off the sensitive spots.
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No Teasing — Ever
Don't take their toys or food. Don't tease with food. Don't wave your hands at their face.
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No Screaming or Running Near Dogs
High-pitched sounds and fast movement trigger a dog's instinct to chase or react. Stay calm.
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Never Assume "Our Dog Would Never Bite"
80–90% of bites come from known dogs. Every dog has a limit. Teach children to respect every dog, every time.
🚫
Don't Approach a Dog Alone
Preschoolers should never approach, pet, or interact with any dog without an adult present. Period.
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Free Classroom Tools — Ready Right Now
One Dog Trainer built a complete free toolkit for teachers and parents. The safety game, the coloring book, and the answer key are all live — no sign-up required to print and use today.