Dog bites are a welfare problem for dogs as well as humans, with fear-based and poorly socialised dogs at highest risk and in need of proactive welfare support.
Dogs that bite are invariably dogs whose welfare needs have not been adequately met. Fear, pain, inadequate socialisation, and histories of punishment create dogs at high bite risk. The consequences of biting for dogs include destruction orders and euthanasia. Bite prevention through positive socialisation, adequate training, and pain management is simultaneously a human safety and animal welfare intervention. Welfare-focused bite prevention prioritises early socialisation, positive training methods, and recognition of dog stress signals rather than breed-specific legislation that does not reduce bites.