(Adapted from the Humane Society of the United States)

Reduce the risk of your dog biting someone. Here's how:

• Spay or neuter your dog. This will reduce your dog's desire to wander and fight with other dogs. Spayed or neutered dogs are much less likely to bite.
• Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to a variety of people and situations so that he or she is not anxious or scared under normal social circumstances.

• Train your dog. Make training your dog a family matter. Every member of your household should participate in your dog's education and training.

• Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't teach your dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun. Your dog can't always understand the difference between play and real-life situations. Set appropriate limits for your dog's behavior.

• Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog as required by local law, and take your dog to a veterinarian for routine health care, including rabies shots.

• Err on the safe side. If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room.

 
To avoid being bitten by a dog:

• Never approach an unknown dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.
• Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first.
• Never turn your back to a dog and run away.

• A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.

• Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.

• Be cautious around strange dogs.

• Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat.

If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:

• Never scream and run.
• Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.

• Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.

• If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.

• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

For additional information

Stay Dog Bite Free (Humane Society of U.S.)

Dog Safety Brochure