Preventing Dog Bites
When entering a home with a dog, always remember that you are entering his territory. Go slowly and wait for an introduction. Give the dog space and don’t try to become friends right away. Never move quickly when approaching a dog who is lying quietly or sleeping. When playing with a dog who is becoming overly excited, take a time out. Never tease a dog. Teasing is not fun for them-in fact, it can be quite alarming to them. Children under the age of five are most likely to be bitten. Never leave small children alone with a dog.
If you feel you are in a dangerous situation, do not run screaming from the dog. The dog may instinctively give chase. Do not make direct or prolonged eye contact-a dog who feels threatened could perceive this as a challenge. If an unknown dog approaches you, stand very still. If a dog knocks you down, roll up into a ball and remain as still as possible.
Most people consider companion animals to be best friends and family members. We must protect them from harmful situations as we do our children, our elders or any other family member. Take your dog to training classes; you’ll get to know each other better. She will become trained and better socialized. You will learn to communicate with her, which will help you anticipate and respond to things that may frighten her and cause unacceptable behavior.
We can do a lot to protect our best friends from dangerous situations and prevent them from becoming another number in the dog bite statistics. Passing ordinances and adding laws is not the answer. Good judgment is the key to making our lives with dogs safer and more enjoyable. In turn, they will repay us with a lifetime of unconditional love and loyalty.
