Preventing Dog Bites
As a working professional in the “dog” world, I get
asked the following on an almost weekly basis: “Have you ever
been bitten by a dog?” (The answer is no, by the way). I have
spent years trying to learn how to read dog’s body language,
and I am very careful during my days at work. However, not everyone
has the opportunity to spend so much time around our four legged
friends and learn how to read them and be careful around them. The
following statistics can prove this: the CDC estimates that there
are more than 4.7 million people per year that get bitten by a dog
and there are approx. 44,000 facial injuries per year in the US
due to dog bites. Children make up 60% off all dog bite victims.
61% of all dog bites occur close to the dog’s home. And 77%
of bites are by friendly dogs known to their victims. It is estimated
that at least ½ of all dog bites are provoked. Working breeds
and Sporting breeds are more likely than Hounds to bite. Puppies
are more likely than adults to bite. So, it is not just the Pitbulls
and Rottys and German Shepherds. It can be ANY DOG at ANY TIME.
There are many reasons why a dog will bite. They may bite out of
fear or to protect their territory. (This will explain why Fido
goes nuts when the postal carrier arrives…) They may be trying
to establish dominance. They may never have been taught that biting
is an unacceptable form of play. Dogs may sometimes even see infants
as “prey”.
As I stated before, it is not just one or two breeds that will
most commonly bite. The breeds with a higher bite percentage change
from year to year and depend on what part of the country you are
in. Genetics play a small part in determining if a dog is more likely
to bite. More significantly, it can depend on socialization, training,
whether or not the dog is spayed/neutered, and if a dog is properly
restrained/contained.
You can help prevent your dog from biting. Spay or neuter your
dog. Seek a professional trainer to take classes from. Start this
early, when your dog is a pup and can take a few obedience classes.
Choose a trainer that uses positive reinforcement. Never use physical
punishment on your dog. Ever. Socialize your dog – take him
to new places where he will encounter new dogs and new people. Do
this often. Do this throughout your dog’s life. Don’t
play aggressively with your dog – no tug of war or rough-housing.
Teach your dog that is it not acceptable to bite. (Start this when
he is a pup and will mouth you.) Spend time with your dog. Dogs
left outside on their own (especially those tied to a chain) are
more likely to have problems. Visit your vet regularly and keep
your dog vaccinated. Learn to read your dog’s body language.
Does your dog bark and growl when people approach your car or door?
Keep him out of those situations, or at least safely confined (with
a seatbelt in the back of your car or in a room far away from your
front door.) Work with a professional trainer or behaviorist to
help your dog, but until you are confident in his behavior, avoid
these instances.
You can also avoid getting bitten by a strange dog. NEVER approach
a strange dog. NEVER attempt to pet a dog behind a fence, on a chain
or in a car. Don’t disturb a dog while he is sleeping, eating
or chewing on a bone/toy. Always let a dog see and sniff you before
attempting to pet it. Always ask an owner if it is ok to say hello
to their dog. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO DO ALL OF THIS!! (I am always
amazed when I walk my dogs down the street and little kids will
break away from their parents and run up to pet my dogs…it
is just not safe to do. Even a dog on a leash with his owner may
become startled when approached by a young child running up excitedly
to him. Did you read that earlier statistic?? 60% of bites are to
children!!) NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED WITH A DOG. Monitor
their time together.
If a strange dog approaches you, stand still. (Do not run away
– the dog’s natural instinct will be to chase you.)
Try to stay calm and quiet. Keep your hands at your sides. Avoid
direct eye contact with him. If you fall or are knocked down, curl
up into a ball and protect your ears. If he does attack, try to
give him something other than you to bite – a purse, your
coat, a stick – anything that you can put between you and
him.
If you are bitten, wash the area with warm soapy water. Contact
your doctor or go to the closest emergency room/hospital. And contact
the local authorities.
Through prevention and a bit of common sense perhaps we can lower
those very scary numbers at the top of this article. As always,
contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your
dog and/or his behavior. And your local library or bookshop is a
great resource for even more information.
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