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Preventing Dog Bites

It is estimated that more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Many are children, senior citizens and home service people, like mail carriers and meter readers.

The American Veterinary Medical Association stresses, in most cases, dog bites are not caused by “bad dogs” but by irresponsible dog owners. Dogs who have not been properly socialized, not supervised or safely confined, not sterilized or who receive little attention and handling are those who often bite humans.

The Humane Society of the United States has these suggestions for avoiding and preventing dog bites.

Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs that have NOT been sterilized are three times more likely to bite than those who have been sterilized.

Train and socialize your dog so that he/she is comfortable being around people, including friends, neighbors and children.

Never play “attack” games with your dog. Your pet won’t always understand the difference between play and real-life situations.

If you don’t know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.

When a letter carrier or other service person comes to your door, safely restrain or confine your pet in another room before opening the door. Don’t allow your dog to bark, jump against the door, or bite the mail as it comes through the mail slot; this will only teach your dog to attack the letter carrier.

If your dog exhibits behavior such as growling, nipping or biting, even on an occasional basis, seek professional advice from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist or a skilled dog trainer.

Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is alone without his owner, especially if the dog is confined behind a fence, within a car or by a tether or chain.

Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies. Don’t pet a dog, even your own, without letting him/her see and sniff you first.

When approached by a dog you don’t know, do not run or scream. Instead, stand still with your hands at your sides and do not make direct eye contact with or speak to the dog. Teach children to “be a tree” until the dog goes away and practice this response with a stuffed toy dog.

If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears. Lie still and keep quiet until the dog goes away. Teach children to “lie like a log” until the dog goes away.

If a dog attacks, you may be able to decrease injury be “feeding” him your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything else that can serve as a barrier between you and the dog.