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Y! MyWebHow to prevent dog bites
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The weather is warm, and more children and dogs are outside playing. This isn't always a perfect combination.
This week, National Dog Bite Prevention Week, is dedicated to bringing awareness to the problem of dog bites and educating consumers and pet owners of the dangers of dog bites.
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Each year, more than 5 million people receive medical attention for dog bites, many of whom are children, according to the World Wide Pet Industry Association.
"The World Wide Pet Industry Association is dedicated to teaching responsible pet ownership, and we hope these tips will prove educational for both dog owners and general consumers," said Doug Poindexter, president of WWPIA.
Some tips on staying safe:
How to Prevent Dog Bites
• Ask before you pet a dog. Some unsocialized dogs will bite strangers.
• Be cautious. Be aware if a dog is behaving as if it is angry or irritable. If it is, the dog won't want to be touched.
• Manner matters. Do not approach a dog from behind while it is sleeping, make loud sudden noises or any abrupt movements. Dogs do not like to be taken by surprise.
• Use common sense. Don't bother dogs who are eating or sleeping, as they may be taken by surprise and become territorial.
• Educate your children. Teach your children the tips mentioned above and supervise their behavior around unfamiliar dogs.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Biting Others
• Socialization. To have a well-behaved dog at home and in public, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs and people at an early age.
•Training. Dogs that are trained are less likely to bite and know how to behave properly.
• Practice responsible pet care. For the safety of others, ensure your dog is properly vaccinated. Never teach your dog to chase or attack others.
• Use discretion. If you are not sure how your dog will respond to a particular situation, leave him at home or separate him from the guests visiting your home.
Local members of 937/513pets.com offer their words of wisdom concerning dog bite prevention on the message boards:
"Don't put trust in these words from the dog's owner that 'Poopsie won't bite' Poopsie may not bite its owner, but you don't know how the dog will react to you. All dogs react differently — treat all dogs carefully." — solas989.
"If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don't scream. If you do say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't turn and run." — ddog5000.
"Don't run past a dog; dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Don't give them a reason to become excited or aggressive," — ddog5000.
Contact this reporter at awray@DaytonDailyNews.com.
