Dog bite prevention through canine communication education, responsible ownership and environmental management reduces harm to both dogs and humans.
Dog bite prevention is simultaneously a human safety and animal welfare issue. Dogs that bite are frequently euthanised — prevention protects dogs from the consequences of biting, not just humans from harm. Most dog bites are preceded by clear warning signals that educated observers would recognise. Teaching children to recognise dog body language, ask before approaching and respect dog space prevents bites that leave both children harmed and dogs destroyed. The welfare framing — that bite prevention protects both parties — motivates more comprehensive approaches than human safety alone.