National Dog Bite Prevention Week: May 14-20.
There are millions of dogs in America and most of them are friendly, loving and happy to see you. However, millions of people are bitten each year by dogs, sometimes it’s just a nip and other times it’s quite serious or deadly. As a dog owner, who may be out amongst other canines frequently, take a moment this week to educate yourself on dog bite prevention.
1. Never approach a strange dog that is tied up, behind a fence, or in a car. The dog may feel the need to protect his owners’ turf, and even if friendly, may turn guard dog on you if you get too close.
2. When approaching any dog, even your own, allow the dog to sniff you first before touching her. This is simple canine courtesy that a dog expects. (To deny this would be the human equivalent of approaching someone with your head and face cloaked so that you are unrecognizable. Understandably, even to a family member, you may not be recognized immediately and the reaction may be less than positive.)
3. The same goes for your dog when meeting other dogs. Allow the dogs to thoroughly sniff each other, yes, even the rear ends. Allowing a full body sniff and exchanges of other doggie body language is the standard and necessary canine greeting. Allowing this will help prevent most aggression between strange dogs.
4. Never disturb a dog when she’s eating, chewing on a chew toy, or caring for her puppies. The instincts to guard food and protect young are very strong and even your own dog could snap at you.
5. If you find yourself facing a dog that looks like he’s going to attack, DO NOT TURN AND RUN. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase. Freeze with your hands to your side and do not make eye contact with the dog. As you become less of a threat to the dog, or he loses interest, back off slowly until you are out of sight.
6. If a dog attacks, put anything you have in the dog’s mouth to protect your body – a purse, backpack, umbrella, water bottle, and your jacket – whatever. DO NOT SCREAM. If you are knocked to the ground, curl up in a ball, cover your ears and remain as silent and motionless as possible.
7. Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered. If a neutered dog gets out, he’ll be less likely to roam and become aggressive.
8. Until you know how your dog will behave in public, make sure she’s on a short leash and keep close watch over her. When strangers, especially children, approach and want to pet your dog, ask them to allow your dog to sniff their hands first. Be prepared to pull your dog away if she growls or shows any kind of aggression.
9. Train and socialize your dog. Puppies should be taught early on that playful nipping is a no-no. Adult dogs who like to pretend to be aggressive need to be taught to stop it on command.
10. Take your dog out often to get her used to all kinds of situations. If your dog doesn’t go out with you much, don’t make your first or rare outing something with large crowds, lots of dogs or major commotion. Your friendly, passive pooch may become frightened and behave out of character.