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Preventing Dog Bites

Everyone knows a dog is man’s best friend. And this is generally true. But every dog has the capacity to bite, and children are most often the ones who get bitten. Everyone, particularly children, should learn some basics about dog behavior and safety around dogs.

Dogs Bite When:

• They feel threatened and when they’re afraid
• They are protecting their territory, food, toys, family or pups.
• They get excited, even in play.
• They don’t know you.
• Their “chase response” is triggered.
• They are in pain or irritated.
• They have been bred and/or trained to be aggressive.
• Always ask permission to pet a dog.
• If allowed permission, pet the dog gently and slowly. Stand quiet and calm. Let the dog sniff the back of your hand, and allow him to sniff other parts if the dog desires. This is how they greet others and determine who you are.
• Never pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you.
• Do not walk up behind a dog (even one you know).
• Never go up to a strange dog, particularly one restrained or confined.
• Never go into a house or yard where there is a dog without the owner.
• Never run past a dog or turn your back on a dog and run away. Their natural instinct is to chase.
• Do not jump around, wave your arms or scream. These actions excite the dog and stimulate its chase response. Remember, too, that a dog does not have hands. If the dog thinks someone wants to play, the only way it can interact is by jumping up and using its mouth to “grab” and hold. Dogs play rough with each other and they may think that people want to play rough also.
• Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or taking care of puppies.
• Do not pet or pick up an injured animal.
• Do not ‘sic’ a dog on someone in play. You will be teaching the dog that it is okay to attack someone, and the dog will think it is okay anytime.
• Never stare into a dog’s eyes. This is how dogs challenge each other to fight and it can stimulate an attack.
• Do not put your face near a dog’s mouth when you are playing.
• Always assume that a strange dog may see you as an intruder or a threat, and be careful.
• How to Tell When a Dog Might Bite:
• The dog may stand stiff and still, maybe with its hair up.
• It may stare at you.
• It may growl, snarl, show its teeth, or bark.
• It may hold its tail stiff and up in the air.
• Some dogs may not give any signs. When in doubt, be careful.
• If You Are Threatened by a Dog:
• Stand very still and try to be calm.
• Don’t scream and run.
• Be aware of where the dog is. Don’t turn your back on it, don’t stare it in the eyes.
• If the dog comes up to sniff you, let it. If most cases the dog will go away when it ascertains you are no threat.
• If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
• Try to stay still until the dog leaves, and then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• If a dog does attack suddenly, give it your jacket, purse, bike, anything that might distract it and give it something to bite other than you.
• If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.
• If You Are Bitten:
• All bites should be reported to the police. Give a complete description of the dog and where you encountered it.
• Go to the hospital for treatment.