It happened in the 1100 block of Sanger Street in the Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia.
Police and animal welfare officials say 33-year-old John Fleet was arrested Friday after his children told a school counselor about the incident.
George Bengal is with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He says the children reported their father became enraged Thursday night when the dog nipped at them.
Bengal says the 5-month-old pit bull mix was badly burned, with charring on its neck and ears. He says the dog might lose sight in one eye.
Fleet told investigators the dog was burned accidentally. The listed phone number for Fleet was disconnected.
The children are staying with their mother at another location.
Animal control officers have named the puppy Rudy.
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Associated Press contributed to this report.
