Top 10 ways to prevent dog bites
Here, in honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week, are the top 10 ways to avoid getting bitten by your dog, or someone else's, courtesy of the American Veterinary Medical Association:
1. Pick a dog that is good match for your home. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.
2. Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.
3. Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and dog. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.
4. Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
5. Neuter or spay your dog. These dogs are less likely to bite.
6. Teach your child to ask a dog owner for permission before petting any dog.
7. Let a strange dog sniff you or your child before touching it, and pet it gently, avoiding the face, head and tail.
8. Never bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
9. Do not to run past a dog. 10.
If a dog threatens you, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still or back away slowly until the dog leaves. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your arms and fists.
To those, I would add these, based on my observations and Ace's experiences as a therapy dog: Don't assume all dogs are gentle, and don't assume they're all vicious. Don't, when meeting a dog, put your hand out, then jerk it away again and again. Don't assume a friendly little dog wants to be picked up (or a cat for that matter). Don't scream, or, worse yet, scream and run. Take your time when meeting a dog; let him come to you.
Comments
I cannot stress how important #1 is. Especially in choosing a dog with an energy level that matches yours.
I have so many people who tell me they want a particular dog because they are "cute" or they don't shed. Attractiveness and shedding should be last on your list when choosing a dog (unless you have severe allergies and even then getting a non-shedding dog is still taking a chance.)
If you are a couch potato, you do NOT want a high energy dog. Trust me. The dog will drive you crazy and chances are you will end up finding it another home.
On the other hand, if you're really active, you probably don't want a dog that is exhausted after 10 minutes of activity.
Almost all aggression problems (and bites) stem from lack of exercise and pent up energy.
Think about the last time you were really sick or it snowed and you were stuck in the house for days. Think about how bad you wanted to get out and go for a walk or just get out and do something. Now multiply that by a hundred. That's how a dog feels when it does not get the daily exercise it needs. If this continues for days, weeks, or even months, you will undoubtedly have an aggressive dog on your hands. Unfortunately, it is not the dog's fault, yet they will be blamed in the end when someone gets bit.
Posted by: Carey | May 19, 2008 11:27 AM