Educating Children on How to Avoid Dog Bites

Dog bites are among the most common injuries sustained by children each year. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States, and children represent a significant portion of those victims—often suffering the most severe injuries. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., with offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we understand the devastating impact a dog bite can have on a child and their family. We serve clients throughout Nashville, Davidson County, and across Middle Tennessee who are navigating the aftermath of dog attacks and aim to provide both legal support and preventive education to reduce future harm.

While our legal team stands ready to help families pursue justice after a dog attack, we also believe in the importance of proactive education. Teaching children how to safely interact with dogs can significantly reduce the risk of bites and create safer environments for both children and pets. Below, we discuss the legal context of dog bites in Tennessee, the particular risks children face, and effective ways to educate young people on dog safety.

The Unique Risks Dog Bites Pose to Children

Children, especially those under 10 years old, are particularly vulnerable to dog bites. Several factors contribute to this increased risk. First, children are generally smaller in stature, making their faces and necks more accessible targets for dogs. Second, children may not yet have the judgment necessary to interpret warning signs of canine discomfort or agitation, such as growling, stiff posture, or baring of teeth. Finally, a child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm can sometimes lead them to approach dogs in a way that feels threatening to the animal—even if the child’s intent is affectionate.

Injuries to children often require emergency medical treatment, and many result in long-term consequences such as disfigurement, psychological trauma, and the need for reconstructive surgery. The emotional and financial toll on families can be substantial, and these cases must be approached with both legal skill and sensitivity to the child’s needs.

Dog Bite Liability Under Tennessee Law

In Tennessee, the legal responsibilities of dog owners are outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413, also known as the “Donna Acklen Act.” This law holds dog owners strictly liable if their dog injures someone in a public space or on private property where the person has a legal right to be—provided the dog was not under reasonable control or was not securely confined. This means that an owner may be held liable for a dog bite even if they did not know the dog was dangerous, so long as the dog was “running at large.”

However, the law includes several important exceptions. One key exception, often referred to as the “residential exception,” applies if the bite occurs on the dog owner’s private residential, enclosed property. In such cases, the injured person must show that the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies. This shifts the burden from strict liability to a negligence-based analysis, and knowledge of the dog’s history becomes central to the case.

When a child is bitten by a dog, Tennessee courts recognize that children generally cannot be held to the same standard of caution as adults. This means that defenses such as trespassing or provocation—common in adult cases—are far less likely to succeed when the victim is a young child. Courts consider a child’s age, maturity, and capacity for understanding danger when evaluating liability.

Why Education Matters

While the law provides an avenue for compensation after a bite occurs, the best-case scenario is one in which injuries are avoided altogether. Teaching children how to recognize a dog’s boundaries, interpret behavioral cues, and act appropriately around animals can drastically reduce the likelihood of an attack. Education does not replace supervision or responsible dog ownership, but it gives children a foundation for safe interactions.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we often work with families during their most difficult moments—after an injury has already occurred. But through our experience, we have also learned what steps might have helped prevent the incident. Many dog bite cases involving children occur in familiar settings, such as a friend’s home, a family gathering, or a neighborhood walk. These are precisely the kinds of interactions where preventive education can make a difference.

Practical Lessons to Teach Children About Dog Safety

Parents, schools, and community organizations can play a central role in helping children understand dog safety. The following lessons are both simple and effective and can be taught to children in age-appropriate ways:

1. Always Ask for Permission
Before approaching any dog, children should be taught to first ask the owner, “May I pet your dog?” This simple question provides the owner a chance to warn of any behavioral concerns or deny the interaction if the dog is not socialized for contact with children.

2. Never Approach a Dog That Is Unfamiliar or Alone
Stray or unattended dogs may be frightened or aggressive, especially if they are injured, hungry, or have been mistreated. Children should be told never to pet or attempt to touch a dog that does not have an owner present.

3. Let the Dog Sniff First
When permitted to approach, children should extend their hand slowly, with fingers curled inward, allowing the dog to sniff before touching. This gives the dog a chance to assess the interaction and reduces the likelihood of an instinctive defensive reaction.

4. Avoid Direct Eye Contact and Sudden Movements
Staring into a dog’s eyes can be interpreted as a challenge, and quick, erratic movements may startle the animal. Children should be encouraged to remain calm and still when near dogs.

5. Do Not Disturb a Dog That Is Eating or Sleeping
Many bites occur when a dog is startled or feels threatened while eating or resting. Children should be taught to give dogs space during these times, even if the dog is a family pet.

6. Understand Warning Signs
Parents can help children learn to recognize signs that a dog is uncomfortable, such as growling, showing teeth, raised fur, pinned ears, or a rigid posture. Children should know that if they see these signs, they should slowly back away and alert an adult.

7. What to Do If a Dog Attacks
In the event of an aggressive approach, children should be taught to avoid screaming or running away, as this can trigger a chase response. Instead, they should “be a tree”—stand still, fold their arms, and look down. If knocked to the ground, they should curl into a ball, protect their head and neck, and remain still until help arrives.

The Role of Supervision and Dog Owner Responsibility

While educating children is crucial, adult supervision and responsible pet ownership remain the most effective tools for preventing dog bites. Children under the age of six should never be left alone with a dog, even if the animal is a beloved family pet. Owners of dogs with known aggressive tendencies or breeds with strong protective instincts should be especially vigilant when children are present.

In Tennessee, dog owners who fail to secure their animals or who ignore signs of aggression can be held liable under both statutory and common law. If a dog has previously displayed dangerous behavior and the owner took no action to warn or protect others, that failure may support a claim for damages if an injury occurs.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of each dog bite case, including whether the owner violated local leash laws, failed to confine the dog properly, or allowed interaction with a child despite warning signs. We also examine whether the dog had a documented history with animal control or complaints from neighbors, which may demonstrate knowledge of dangerous propensities.

Legal Remedies for Child Victims

When a child is bitten by a dog, Tennessee law allows for a variety of legal remedies. These may include compensation for medical expenses, reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. Because children often require long-term care and support, the damages can be significant. In some cases, a structured settlement may be appropriate to provide for ongoing needs into adulthood.

We work closely with parents and guardians to understand the full scope of the injury and to calculate a fair and comprehensive claim for damages. Our firm handles these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no legal fees unless we recover money for your family. We also advance all litigation costs, so you do not have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for legal representation.

Advocacy and Prevention in the Community

In addition to representing victims, our firm is committed to public education on dog safety. We encourage schools, libraries, and youth programs in Middle Tennessee to incorporate dog safety education into their curricula. We believe that awareness and early instruction can prevent injuries and empower children to act with confidence and caution around animals.

We also support responsible pet ownership and urge municipalities to provide resources for dog training, registration, and containment. Strong community partnerships between dog owners, parents, and educators are essential to reducing the number of dog bite incidents each year.

Contact Us If Your Child Has Been Injured by a Dog

If your child has suffered a dog bite injury, you need legal advocates who understand the law, the medical implications, and the emotional toll these injuries can cause. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., our attorneys have decades of experience helping families recover the compensation they need to move forward. We have offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro and serve clients throughout Davidson County and all of Middle Tennessee.

Call us today at (615) 742-4880 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We will explain your rights, answer your questions, and begin the process of securing justice for your child. Whether the dog was a neighbor’s pet, a stray in the community, or a dog at a public event, we are here to help you take the next steps toward healing and recovery.