Ways to Avoid Dog Bites

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, there are currently approximately 74 million dogs in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 2% of the U.S. population, or 4.7 million a year report being bitten by a dog. Dog bites are the 5th most common reason for emergency room visits for children. These are just a few of the statistics covering the subject of dog bites. Dog bite laws differ from state to state.

Injuries to a person caused  by poor treatment or confinement of a dog, or violation of leash laws make dog owners liable in most states. In many states, simply owning a dog makes the owner legally responsible for biting someone unless the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. Obviously, some breeds are more prone to biting than others. Statistics show, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, Chows are most likely to bite. Don't be fooled however, any dog, even small dogs can be provoked to bite a person. Because some breeds or mixes of breeds show a greater propensity for aggressive behavior, it especially important for the owner to take responsibility for his dog. This means proper socialization when the dog is a puppy, obedience training, care, control and diligent supervision.

There are certain factors that have been shown to make dog bites more likely. They include: the specific breeding for fighting or aggressive behavior, poor or inadequate socialization, training or lack of training, dogs that are sick or injured, and the behavior of the victim, which can include not just teasing or provoking, but for some dogs, any sudden unexpected movement or noise. Dog attacks have been found to occur when one or more of the following factors is present : a dog is in its own yard with no owner present; the dog is a pit bull or a rottweiler; there are 2 or more dogs together, creating a pack mentality which can provoke even normally docile dogs to attack; a dog is chained or tethered; or the dog is a non-neutered male. Knowledge of these factors can help you avoid a dog bite or dog attack situation. It is extremely important to teach children these things to watch out for and avoid. Another common occurrence is a family pet attacking a child in the home. Never leave a baby or young child alone in a room with your dog. You probably think this would never happen, your dog is so loving and well behaved, but you can't predict how your pet might react to unexpected movements or noises.

So, what do you do if a dog is coming toward you and you feel threatened? In order to avoid an attack, never scream or run. Stay  motionless with your hands at your sides and avoid eye contact. The dog may just check you out, then lose interest and walk away. If you are going to move, back away slowly. If the dog attacks you, use your jacket, purse, anything nearby to put between you and the dog. If you get knocked to the ground, curl into a ball and cover your head and face with your arms. Try not to scream and roll around...this seems unlikely under the circumstances, but, screaming and rolling around will agitate the dog.

Dog bites often occur when people are trying to protect their dog from an attack. In order to decrease the chance of this happening, keep your dog on a leash, get familiar with dogs in your neighborhood so if necessary, you can avoid certain yards or streets. Do not try to pull dogs apart by their collars. Stay away from their heads and pull them apart by the legs. If possible, spray the fighting dogs with water.

Dog bites or attacks are traumatic for everyone involved. With some practical knowledge and common sense, it is possible to decrease the chance of you or your children being involved in this situation.