
Avoiding Dog Bites
Author: gibbywmuThe Humane Society of the United States and the United States Postal Service offer these tips on preventing dog bites.
How can I avoid being bitten by a dog?
- Never approach a strange dog, especially one who’s tied up or confined behind a fence or in a car.
- Don’t pet a dog, even your own, without letting him or her see and sniff you first.
- Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch fleeing prey.
- Don’t disturb a dog while he or she is sleeping, eating (dog food or dog treats, like bully sticks), chewing on a toy or caring for puppies.
- Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn’t know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.
What should I do if I think a dog may attack?
- Never scream and run. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog
- Remain motionless with your hands at your sides until the dog loses interest in you, then slowly back away until he or she is out of site.
- If the dog does attack, “feed” him or her your jacket, purse, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
Dog Bites – Are There Dangerous Breeds?
Author: gibbywmu
Dog bites are a serious problem in the United States. Each year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Around 17 percent of these people require medical care. And in approximately 10-20 tragic cases per year, the bite victim is killed. The CDC has labeled dog bites in America an “epidemic.”The ten breeds involved in the most lethal attacks over the past ten years are pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies, malamutes, Dobermans, chow chows, St. Bernards, Great Danes, and Akitas.In response to this growing problem, some communities have banned ownership of certain dogs that are perceived as dangerous, particularly pit bulls and rottweilers. Are some breeds really more dangerous than others?
Restrain your pet. Unrestrained dogs cause about 82 percent of all fatal bites. Keeping your dog on a strong leash whenever you’re in public is a big first step toward preventing bites. Also, don’t encourage strangers to interact with your dog; strangers and a strange environment may startle him. If you leave your dog alone outdoors, your yard needs to be enclosed with a six- to eight-foot fence, depending on your dog’s size.
Socialize your puppy. Once your pup has been fully vaccinated and he has your veterinarian’s okay, take him to puppy classes, the park, and the pet store. Take him anywhere where he can interact with people and other dogs in a nonthreatening environment. Praise him when he interacts well with others.
Spay or neuter your dog. Intact (non-neutered) male dogs are responsible for approximately 80 percent of fatal bites. When dogs are altered, they lose some of their territorial instincts, including a lot of their territorial aggression.
Train him not to bite. Dogs will mouth, chew, and bite everything from your hands to your furniture until you teach them that it’s inappropriate. If your dog is biting you, or growling at you or other family members, distract him with a quick sound, such as a clap or a sharp “ow!” Then redirect his attention to a chewable dog treat, such as bully sticks, pig ears, cow ears and sweet potato dog treats. Be sure to reward him with dog treats when you catch him chewing on the right things.
Watch your dog’s behavior. This may be the most important part of preventing your dog from biting. It’s easy for owners to be in denial that their sweet, furry Fido may be a threat. But if your dog exhibits any of the following behaviors, it’s time for your veterinarian’s help: growling at, snapping at, or biting family members; growling or snapping at strangers; or extreme fear of strangers.
If you see signs that your dog could be aggressive or dangerous, you can ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behavioral specialist. While your dog is being treated for aggression, be careful with him in public. Be sure to warn strangers to use caution if they interact with him.