When Everyday Outings Turn Dangerous: How Children Get Bitten by Dogs

Dog bites are a serious safety concern for families, especially when young children are involved. Every year, millions of people are bitten by dogs, and more than 2 million of those victims are children. In fact, over half of all dog bite victims are children, with kids between 5 and 9 years old being the most at risk. Children are also more likely than adults to need medical attention for dog bites due to their smaller size and vulnerable positions. Below, we explore the common scenarios in which children can get bitten by dogs, backed by statistics and real examples, and we offer tips on how to prevent these frightening incidents.

Scope of the Problem: Dog Bites and Children

Dog bites involving children happen with alarming frequency. According to national data, 51% of dog bite victims are children, and over 2 million children in the U.S. suffer dog bites each year. About 26% of children bitten by dogs require emergency room treatment for their injuries, reflecting the severity of many attacks. Tragically, a small number of these incidents are fatal: between 30 and 50 people are killed by dogs each year in the U.S., and many victims are children. Young kids often suffer bites to the head or neck region, which can cause serious or disfiguring injuries. These statistics underscore that dog attacks on children are not rare fluke events – they are a real public health and safety issue that parents and dog owners must be aware of.

One striking pattern is where and with whom these incidents occur. Studies show the vast majority of dog bites to children happen in a familiar setting and involve dogs the child knows. In one Florida analysis, 86% of bites to children under 6 years old were from dogs known to the family, and more than half occurred in the home. Nationwide, about 77% of biting dogs belong to the victim’s family or a friend, and as much as 80% of dog bite incidents occur at home or in a familiar setting. In other words, children are most often bitten during everyday activities with family pets or pets of friends/relatives, rather than by stray dogs. This doesn’t mean that unfamiliar dogs aren’t dangerous – but it highlights that parents should be just as cautious around the nice dog next door or the family dog as they would be around an unknown animal. As one professional dog trainer put it, “Any dog can bite. The most common dog bites are to children and from dogs that they know!”. With that in mind, let’s examine some of the common situations in which children can get bitten by dogs.

Common Situations Where Children Get Bitten

Children can encounter dogs in a variety of settings, and bites can occur when proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some of the most common scenarios, with real examples illustrating each:

At Home or Visiting Family/Friends

Many dog attacks involving children happen in the child’s own home or while visiting the home of relatives or friends. Kids often feel comfortable around the family pet or a friend’s dog, which can lead to dropping their guard. Unfortunately, even a familiar family dog can bite without warning if provoked or startled. For example, a one-year-old girl in Racine, Wisconsin, was visiting her grandparents when she was suddenly bitten in the face by her grandparents’ dog, suffering severe facial injuries. She had to be airlifted to a children’s hospital for emergency surgery. In that case, the grandfather had just put the dog on a leash to take it outside when the dog abruptly turned and attacked the toddler – possibly because the child pulled the dog’s tail or otherwise startled it. This heartbreaking incident shows how a moment of unintentional provocation in a routine family visit can result in a serious dog bite.

In more tragic cases, familiar dogs have even killed children. In April 2023, a 1-year-old boy in Georgia was mauled to death by a family dog while visiting his grandmother’s home. The child had been playing in a fenced yard area that the grandparents set up, and the dog – a pet pit bull mix that had seemed friendly – suddenly attacked him for unknown reasons. Such extreme outcomes are (thankfully) rare, but they underscore that any dog, even a trusted family pet, can pose a danger if it has aggressive tendencies or is put in a stressful situation. Parents should always supervise interactions between young children and dogs in the home, and never assume a dog “would never bite.” Most often, bites at home happen when the dog is “provoked” in the dog’s view – for instance, being hugged too hard, having its food or toy touched, or being surprised or stepped on. The key point is that familiarity with a dog does not guarantee safety, so vigilance is needed even during family gatherings or playdates where a dog is present.

Daycares and Babysitters with Dogs

It may come as a surprise, but dog bites can and do occur in daycare settings or babysitters’ homes when pets are on the premises. If a home daycare provider or babysitter keeps a dog, children in their care could be at risk, especially if the dog is not properly separated from the kids. For example, in May 2023, a horrific incident in Wisconsin made headlines when a 16-month-old boy was mauled by a dog at an in-home daycare run by a family friend. The toddler’s mother received a frantic call and arrived to find her baby’s face severely injured; he required emergency surgery and faces a long recovery. The daycare provider had previously watched other children without issues, but in this case the dog was apparently left alone with the child for a moment, with devastating results.

This example illustrates the importance of knowing whether caregivers have pets and how they manage them. A normally gentle dog can react unpredictably to a toddler’s high-pitched noises or sudden movements. Young children at daycare might try to play with the dog or unknowingly provoke it. If the dog has any aggressive tendencies or is simply not used to children, the situation can turn dangerous quickly. Parents should think twice about leaving their child in a daycare or home that has an uncontrolled dog on the loose, no matter how friendly the pet’s owner claims it is. Likewise, daycare providers and babysitters must isolate or restrain their dogs when kids are around. As the mother of the injured Wisconsin toddler said afterward, “This should never have happened. There should’ve never been any dog left alone with him… I hope people recognize where their children are and who they’re around – anything could happen, especially when it comes to animals”.

Parks and Playgrounds

Public parks and playgrounds are another common site of dog bite incidents involving children. Kids playing outside can attract the attention of nearby dogs – some dogs become excited or agitated by squealing, running children, and may chase or nip them. The risk is especially high if dogs are off-leash in areas where kids are present, which is why leash laws exist for public spaces. Unfortunately, not all owners follow the rules. A recent example comes from Lynn, Massachusetts in July 2025, when two pit bulls running loose in a park attacked a 5-year-old boy who was playing with his family. The dogs also bit a young woman who tried to intervene, and both victims had to be hospitalized (luckily with non-life-threatening injuries). Witnesses in the busy park were horrified as people grabbed their children and fled when the dogs started rampaging. Bystanders noted the chaos and fear, and a nearby resident had to help fend the dogs off with a stick until police arrived. In this case, the dog’s owner was not present at the moment of the attack, raising the question, “Where were the owners?” as one dog trainer observing the aftermath asked.

This kind of scenario – loose dogs in a public area – can turn a fun family outing into a nightmare. Playgrounds, picnic areas, schoolyards, and parks are all places where children might encounter a dog that is not under control. Sometimes the dog is a stray; other times it might have slipped its leash or escaped a yard nearby. Children who run up to pet an unfamiliar dog at a park could also get bitten if the dog is anxious or if they startle it. Always exercise caution: teach children never to approach an unknown dog without permission from the owner, and even if permission is given, approach calmly and let the dog sniff first. If a dog is off-leash and acting aggressively in a park, the best move is to stay calm, avoid running (which can trigger chase), and put distance or a barrier between the child and the dog. Parks are meant for everyone’s enjoyment, so dog owners must obey leash laws and keep their pets from harassing others. The Lynn incident above shows the consequences when they don’t – not only were people injured, but the dog owner in that case faced multiple charges for the attack.

Streets, Sidewalks, and Neighborhood Bike Rides

Children can also fall victim to dog bites while simply walking or riding bikes in their neighborhood. Dogs are territorial by nature; a child passing by on the sidewalk or a kid zipping down the street on a bicycle or scooter can trigger some dogs to give chase. If a dog is loose or able to jump a fence, it may attack a child in these public-but-close-to-home settings. In Fairbury, Nebraska, for instance, a 7-year-old girl was on an ordinary bike ride near her home when she was viciously attacked by two dogs that had gotten loose. Her mother heroically pulled the dogs off her, but not before the little girl suffered life-threatening injuries – she had to be airlifted to a children’s hospital in Omaha and undergo multiple surgeries. The incident shocked the local community, but they rallied around the girl during her recovery, hailing her courage in surviving the ordeal.

This Nebraska case is a sobering reminder that even a child playing on their own driveway or riding a bike on the sidewalk can be at risk if a dangerous dog is on the loose. There have been other cases of children on bikes being chased and bitten by dogs; sometimes the child may even swerve into traffic or have an accident trying to escape the dog, causing additional injuries. Children on bicycles can trigger a dog’s prey drive – the dog sees a fast-moving object and instinctively wants to chase and grab. If a dog is known to have this tendency, owners must ensure the animal is securely fenced or leashed at all times. From a parent’s perspective, it’s important to supervise young kids when they play outside and teach older children what to do if confronted by an aggressive dog (for example, “be a tree” – stand still, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away rather than running, which can escalate the chase instinct).

Why Do These Dog Attacks Happen?

Understanding the causes of dog attacks on children is key to preventing them. Often, a combination of factors is at play – including the dog’s disposition, the child’s behavior (usually unintentional), and the owner’s oversight (or lack thereof). Here are some common reasons behind child-related dog bite incidents:

Lack of Proper Restraint or Supervision: Many attacks occur simply because the dog was not adequately controlled by its owner. Dogs that are allowed to roam freely, left off-leash in public, or not securely fenced, can easily approach and bite a child. In multiple examples above, dogs were essentially uncontrolled (e.g., the loose pit bulls in the park, or a daycare dog left alone with a toddler). If those dogs had been leashed, crated, or kept separate, the attacks could likely have been prevented. Owners have a responsibility to restrain their dogs in public spaces – by leash, fence, or run line – and to supervise interactions with children closely. When owners fail in this duty, even a dog without a known bite history can end up attacking an unsuspecting child.
Dog’s Temperament and Vicious Tendencies: Some dogs do have inherently aggressive or territorial tendencies. Certain breeds or individual dogs may be more prone to biting due to genetics or past training (for example, guard dogs or dogs bred for fighting). However, it’s crucial to note that any breed can bite – even small or previously friendly dogs can snap under the wrong conditions. That said, a dog with a history of aggression or “vicious propensities” is a ticking time bomb around children if not properly managed. These dogs might react violently to what they perceive as threats, such as a child taking a toy or entering their space. Many serious attacks involve dogs that owners knew were dangerous but failed to keep them away from kids. Allowing a known aggressive dog near a child without strict control is a recipe for disaster. Even in cases where the dog wasn’t known to be vicious, high-energy dogs can view a running child as prey or competition. This is why experts often recommend extra caution (or even muzzles) for dogs with any hint of aggression when they are around children.
Provocation and Unintentional Triggers: Children – especially young ones – often don’t understand canine body language or boundaries. They may hug a dog tightly, pull its ears or tail, climb on it, or try to play rough. What a child intends as affection or play can be misinterpreted by a dog and cause it to bite out of fear or irritation. In fact, more than 50% of dog bite cases involving children are reported to involve some form of provocation (even if the child didn’t mean any harm). The “provocation” might be as innocent as trying to take a dog’s toy, disturbing a dog while it’s eating or sleeping, or suddenly approaching a dog from behind.
- A Florida Department of Health study found that the most common cause of dog bites across all ages (about 26% of cases) was “inappropriate behavior management” – things like interacting with a dog while it was eating, roughhousing with the dog, or touching the dog in a way it didn’t like. Young kids also tend to have high-pitched voices and quick movements, which can startle dogs. The key point is that children often accidentally provoke dogs because they haven’t been taught how to interact safely, and dogs may respond with a bite due to their natural instincts or discomfort.
Protectiveness and Territory: Some bites happen when a dog is protecting something – its food, its puppies, or even its owner’s property. A child running into a dog’s yard or approaching a mother dog’s puppies could trigger a protective attack. Protective behavior accounted for about 24% of dog bite cases in Florida. Likewise, if a child is roughhousing with another child, a family dog might mistakenly “defend” one child and bite the other. Dogs don’t reason like humans – they react to perceived threats in the moment. Without training and socialization, dogs may not know the difference between a real threat and a child’s innocent behavior.
No Warning or Sudden Aggression: It’s worth noting that sometimes there is no clear warning before a dog bites. In the Georgia case of the toddler killed at his grandmother’s, the family dog had reportedly never shown aggression toward the kids before blog.dogsbite.org. Something “snapped” in the dog that day for reasons we may never know. Dogs can have bad days, health issues, or unseen triggers (like pain or fear) that cause them to attack. This is why one should never completely drop their guard, even with a dog that seems trustworthy. Constant supervision and caution are the best defenses because dogs are animals with instincts – and those can surface unexpectedly.

Prevention: Keeping Children Safe Around Dogs

The good news is that many dog bites are preventable with the right precautions. Keeping children safe around dogs involves responsibility on both the dog owner’s part and the parents’/child’s part. Here are some important prevention tips to reduce the risk of dog bites:

Never leave young children unsupervised with a dog. This is the golden rule of dog safety. No matter how gentle or well-trained a dog is, an adult should always be present and attentive when dogs and little kids are together. Supervision allows you to intervene at the first sign of any unwanted behavior. If you cannot directly supervise, the dog and child should be separated (use baby gates, crates, etc.). Most severe attacks happen when a child is alone with one or more dogs, so constant supervision is key.
Teach children how to interact with dogs. Educating kids on safe behavior around dogs can drastically lower the chance of bites. Children should learn not to pull tails or ears, not to climb on dogs, and not to disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping. They should ask permission before petting someone’s dog and understand how to gently pet (no hitting or squeezing). Encourage “soft hands” and showing affection in a calm way. Also teach them to recognize signs a dog wants to be left alone (e.g. growling, backing away, raised fur). By respecting a dog’s boundaries, children are less likely to provoke a snap.
Follow leash laws and secure your dog. Dog owners must do their part by keeping their pets under control at all times in public. Always leash your dog when out for walks, and do not let your dog roam freely in neighborhoods or parks. At home, if you have an aggressive or high-energy dog and children are visiting, consider keeping the dog in a separate room or on a sturdy leash while the kids are around. Fencing your yard is also crucial – a fence or run line can prevent your dog from chasing people passing by. Remember that no matter how well you think you know your pet, you are responsible if it harms someone. Strict control (leash, fence, muzzle if necessary) is the best way to prevent your dog’s instincts from causing an injury.
Socialize and train your dog. Dogs that are properly socialized from a young age tend to be calmer and more tolerant around children. Expose your dog to children in a controlled, positive way (if you don’t have kids, you can do this with family or friends’ children under supervision). Obedience training is a must – a dog that responds to commands like “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” and “come” can be stopped or redirected more easily if it starts to get too rough. If you know your dog has a tendency to be skittish or territorial, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for help. Neutering/spaying can also reduce some aggressive tendencies in dogs. Ultimately, a well-trained and well-socialized dog is much less likely to bite.
Never approach or touch an unfamiliar dog without permission. Teach children that they should not run up to dogs they don’t know, even if the dog looks cute or friendly. If a loose dog approaches, children should stay calm, avoid screaming, and try to “be a tree” – stand still, hands at their sides, and look down until the dog loses interest. Running away can trigger the dog to chase and attack. If a dog is behind a fence or in a car, don’t poke fingers in or antagonize it. In short: respect all dogs from a distance unless invited. Parents can model this behavior by always asking owners before petting someone’s dog and by teaching kids the proper way to greet a dog (no direct eye contact, let the dog sniff you first, pet gently on the neck or back).
Be cautious during play and exercise. If your children are playing active games (like running, biking, wrestling with siblings) in an area where a dog is present, be mindful. Excited yelling and fast movements can overstimulate some dogs. It might be wise to separate dogs from children during high-energy playtime. Similarly, when riding bikes or scooters, children should be aware of any dogs nearby. If a dog starts chasing, the best option may be to stop the bike and place it between the child and the dog as a shield, rather than trying to out-pedal the dog. Wearing a helmet and even light protective gear is a good idea for kids biking – not just for falls, but because it can reduce injury if an attack occurs (for instance, a helmet could protect a child’s head from a bite).
Know the warning signs of a distressed or aggressive dog. Dogs often show subtle signals before they bite. Teach kids (and adults) to notice when a dog stiffens its body, growls, bares its teeth, or even more subtle cues like a fixed stare, raised tail, or the dog trying to walk away. If a dog is showing any signs of discomfort or agitation, give it space immediately. Parents should especially watch interactions involving toddlers, as little ones won’t recognize those signs at all. It’s up to the supervising adult to step in if a dog looks uneasy around the child. Simply removing the child from the situation or distracting the dog with a treat or toy can defuse a potential bite scenario.

Protecting Children, Protecting Families

When a child suffers a dog bite, the physical and emotional scars can last long after the wounds heal. Parents are often left facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about their rights. Under New York law, dog owners have a clear duty to control their pets and keep the public safe. If they fail, and a child is injured, families have the right to seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and long-term needs.

At Hacker Murphy, LLP, we believe victims deserve justice – and families deserve peace of mind. We handle dog bite cases with compassion and determination, ensuring that negligent owners are held accountable and that your child’s recovery is supported.

If your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact our team today to learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation your family needs.