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Avoiding Dog Bites
Why Do Dogs Bite?
There are many reasons why dogs bite. Dogs may bite due to
fear, to protect their territory or to establish power or
dominance over the person being bitten. Certain dog owners
mistakenly teach their dogs that biting is an acceptable form
of play behavior.
A dog has its own sense of "personal space." Sometimes that
space may be very small, just a few inches, but other times it
may be much larger. No matter what the circumstances, there is
always a chance that an normally docile and gentle pet will be
aggressive to a human. Normally dominant or aggressive dogs
are far more volatile, having personal spaces that extend for
many feet beyond their physical position. Anyone or any thing
that penetrates this area is subject to immediate attack.
Which Dogs Bite?
In the United States, the list of top breeds involved in both
bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and
from one area of the country to another, depending on the
popularity of the breed. Although genetics do play some part
in determining whether a dog will bite, factors such as
whether the dog is spayed or neutered, properly socialized,
supervised, humanely trained and safely confined play
significantly greater roles. Responsible dog ownership of all
breeds is the key to dog bite prevention.
Preventing Dog Attacks
The first, and most important, rule for preventing dog attacks
is: Never go near a strange dog.
Other rules that can help prevent a dog attack are:
Do not approach dogs that are leashed, chained, fenced or in a
car.
Always let a dog see you and smell you before petting it.
Never turn and run from a dog, especially if it is threatening
you -- dogs will naturally chase and catch their "prey." If a
dog threatens you, stand still, keep your hands at your side
and do not look at the dog. It will probably lose interest and
walk away.
Do not disturb a dog while it is sleeping, eating, chewing on
a toy or caring for a puppy.
Never put your face close to a strange dog.
Don't play with a dog so much that it becomes overly excited.
Always keep in mind that a dog who doesn't know you may see
you as an intruder or as a threat.
Protecting Your Children From Dog Attacks
Since children are the most frequent victims of dog attacks,
teach your children the essential rules above, especially to
avoid all strange dogs. Also, teach your children not to
tease, chase or throw things at dogs behind fences or gates.
In the event of an attack, teach your children to protect
their face and neck and to roll into a ball, be very still and
as soon as it is safe, find an adult to help them.
Never leave a small child alone with a strange dog and do not
leave a baby alone with any dog, including your own.
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