Learn Canine Body Language

The first step in knowing if a dog is going to bite is to analyze the dog’s body language. According to DoggoneSafe.com, dog behavior can be subtle. And lots of bites could be avoided if both parents and kids took the time to understand how dogs communicate. 

For example, a dog who is nervous may be inclined to bite, so try to create a calm environment for the dog. This means keeping your child from being aggressive. There’s a fine line between allowing a child to play with a dog and allowing a child to taunt a dog. No one likes to be taunted -- dogs included. When a dog has reached its limit, it may bite.

Further, you need to look at the dog’s mannerisms. Victoria Stilwell, chief executive of Atlanta-based Positively Dog Training and host of Animal Planet show "It's Me or the Dog," tells The Wall Street Journal that the first clue is barking and growling. If a dog is giving off a rumbling growl or an uncontrollable bark, he or she may be gearing up for aggression.

Look at the dog’s ears. If they are flat or perked up, this can be a sign of aggression. Drooling or cowering types of behavior or backing up to get away from you may indicate a bite is imminent. In this situation, you and your child need to back off. 

Another essential and misunderstood concept is that tail wagging equates to fun and games. "A wagging tail doesn't always mean that the dog is happy," Stilwell tells The Wall Street Journal. "Dogs will wag their tails when they are upset or over-aroused." 

The same goes for a belly moment. If a dog rolls over on his or her back and shows you its cute little belly, this doesn’t always mean that the dog wants to be petted. It can be a signal that you’re too close. Yawning or looking away also can be signals.