Taking the following steps can reduce the chances of your dog biting someone:

Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood.
Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. A dog with a history of aggression is inappropriate in a household with children.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful of or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other animals and people.
Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
Be cautious when exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists or responsible breeders if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Special Reports /

Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners liability payouts in 2014