How to Avoid Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause long term emotional trauma as well as disfigurement and disease. Each day someone is at risk for dog bites. Children, especially those 9 and under, are most at risk. Teaching children how to approach a dog and which situations to avoid will give them confidence in handling encournters with dogs.

Everyone, young and adults alike, should be made aware of the following rules:

1. Do not approach a strange or stray dog.
2. Ask the owner if can pet his dog. If is safe and the answer is "yes";
   1. Lift your hand slowly and pet the dog under the chin.
   2. Do not move quickly or reach over the dog's head to pet it.
3. Do not try to pet dogs that are tied up, eating, behind fences, sleeping or in vehicles.
4. Do not tease, chase, yell or stop a fight.
5. Do not pull ears, tails, grab their good, bones or toys.
6. If you are approached by a stray dog;
   1. Stand very still
   2. Let the dog sniff you
   3. Do not stare at the dog, turn your head to the side
   4. If the dog is growling or barking do not run. Walk away slowly, backwards
      or sideways and give a forceful "NO" keeping the dog in sight.
7. If a dog jumps on you, lie face down and cover the back of your neck with your hands, or curl up in a ball and protect your face. Be as still and quiet as possible.

The majority of dogs are safe, reliable companions, but may bite if threatened, angry, afraid or hurt. They protect the things they care about - their owners, territory, food, their puppies, their toys. Reaching through a fence or arriving at the door can turn a loyal pet into an aggressive protector.

Most children's dog bites occur during play. An excited or nervous dog can bite by mistake. Children should be taught not to play fight, tease, yell or chase animals. Choose your dog carefully and discourage even play-biting by puppies, to avoid problems later.

Never put your face close to a dog's mouth. If it is lost, injured, sick, visually or hearing imparied it may be frightened and, more likely to bite.

It bitten try to remember as much about the dog as possible (if it had a collar, it's markings, etc). Wash the wound with soap and water, then see your doctor. Report the injury to the R.S.P.C.A. or Animal Control Centre.

Know the warning signs of an angry dog. Barking, snarling with teeth showing, growling, ears laid flat, legs stiff, tail up and hair standing up on the dog's back.

The rewards of teaching consideration and respect for animals are children who are both humane and safe.