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.
 

Kraft & Associates

2777 Stemmons Freeway
Suite 1300
Dallas, Texas 75207

Dallas: (214) 999-9999
Fort Worth: (817) 999-9999
Toll Free: (800) 989-9999
FAX: (214) 637-2118
E-mail: info@kraftlaw.com

Please direct general business inquiries to:
Ms. Nita Maki, Office Administrator
nmaki@kraftlaw.com