Dog Bite Prevention

04/13/2022

You heard from Drs. Arce and Teller earlier today on why educating children about dogs is so important to preventing dog bites...now here are a few more tips to help children understand the importance of respecting dogs. Uncover more helpful tips like these at avma.org/DogBite!

04/03/2022

https://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/important-factors-in-developing-social-competence-in-dogs/

In 2013 the most comprehensive study to date asked whether the dogs (fewer than 1 dog in 2 million) involved in dog bite-related fatalities (DBRF) had anything in common with one another. The collaboration of a veterinary epidemiologist, a public health expert, an animal behaviorist and dog behavior...

04/02/2022

https://www.dogtipper.com/blog/2020/04/national-dog-bite-prevention-week.html

Tips on how to avoid dog bites, protecting dogs and people.

08/31/2021

Humans are the biggest contributing factor towards a dog's behavior and progression towards becoming a "dangerous dog."

08/23/2021

https://www.aspca.org/news/its-dog-bite-prevention-week-read-our-safety-tips

Although dogs are our best friends, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. This Dog Bite Prevention Week, learn how you can protect yourself from these injuries and how you can be a responsible dog guardian.

08/23/2021

https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/national-dog-bite-prevention-week/

National Dog Bite Prevention Week® takes place during the second full week of April each year. With an estimated population of nearly 85 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions of people – most of them children – are bitten…

08/23/2021

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention

The AVMA opposes breed-specific legislation targeting specific breeds that are wrongly thought to be dangerous. Dog bite prevention should be based on promoting responsible pet ownership, and developing methods to rapidly identify and respond to owners whose dogs present an actual risk.

08/08/2021

What can you do to prevent your dog from biting?
Provide obedience training
Socialize with other people and animals
Provide proper food, water, shelter
Provide exercise - a tired dog is a happy dog
Provide enrichment - give your dog toys and puzzle feeders
Play with your dog, but train the dog to release on command
Provide attention and affection; dogs are social animals
Avoid or minimize chaining or tethering - dogs often develop aggressive behaviors when isolated outside for long periods of time
Obey leash laws
Spay or neuter your dog
Never leave children alone with a dog

Why do dogs bite?
Excitement/play
Possessive/protective
Fear
Accidental
Attention
Sick or injured

What do you do when you see a loose dog?
Avoid the dog
Do not attempt to catch it
If dog can be secured safely in yard, do so
Do not tease or taunt
Inform an adult
If owner is present, request that owner secure the dog
If dog remains unsecured, call 911

What about leashed dogs?
Do not approach unfamiliar dogs
Do not assume dog is playful or friendly
Do not extend open hand
Allow wide berth when walking, bicycling, roller-blading by dog
Owner may say “she doesn’t bite,” but all dogs can bite

Service visits/visiting an unfamiliar house or dwelling
Announce arrival or call ahead if possible
Look for signs of a dog (e.g., bowl, toys, etc)
Jiggle fence, shake keys, whistle
If a dog is present, ensure it is secured before entering home
Inquire about dog before entering home

Do’s and Don’ts when approached by unfamiliar dogs
Stand still; Don’t run away; Walk slowly away from dog
Avert your gaze; Don’t look directly in eyes
Use firm, confident commands
Offer bag, purse, hat, or other objects to dog instead of body
If there is no object to use, offer weak arm instead of dominant arm—do not pull away!
If knocked over, assume fetal position on knees, cover your face and neck
Do not play with dog unless supervised by adult
Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or with pups
If bitten, tell adult, wash with soap and water, seek medical attention (call 911 for emergencies, 311 for non-emergencies)

Female dog with puppies
Do not attempt to pet mother dog with puppies
Do not attempt to grab or pet puppies

Interpreting dog postures
Dogs use a variety of body postures to communicate
Understanding and recognizing those postures can help in avoiding encounters resulting in bites

08/04/2021

In 2018, an Alabama law was passed that allows authorities to euthanize a dog that seriously injures or kills a person. The law also creates the possibility of felony penalties against the pet owne…

07/31/2021

Pet Owners you are responsible to keep your pets safe and people safe from your pet!

In 2018, an Alabama law was passed that allows authorities to euthanize a dog that seriously injures or kills a person. The law also creates the possibility of felony penalties against the pet owne…

07/30/2021

Reasons Why Dogs Bite

All dogs can bite, regardless of age, size and gender. While a dog may look friendly and cute, when provoked any dog can bite.

A dog bites as a reaction to stressful situations and threats, defending itself or its territory. Dogs may bite to defend their puppies, food or even toys. Chained or tethered dogs are especially territorial. Chained dogs are often isolated and often frustrated.

Dogs that are ill may bite because they do not want to be bothered. A sick or injured dog may bite to keep you away. Injury and illness are common reasons as well. If a dog isn't feeling well or is in pain, it may not even want to be approached or touched by its favorite people.

Some dogs bite or nip when playing. Playing tug or wrestling with a dog can make the dog overly excited, increasing the chances of a bite.

The pack mentality. Three dogs are worse than 2, 4 are worse than 3, etc. Docile dogs often become uncharacteristically violent and vicious when they are in a pack.

Unneutered male dogs

Startling a dog by waking it up or suddenly approaching it from behind can provoke it to bite.

Running away from a dog, even during play, can likewise provoke a bite. The dog may think it's part of the fun, or running away could trigger herding behavior or predatory pursuit in some breeds.

A dog that's in a fearful situation may bite anyone who approaches it. Such a situation may be something as severe as being abused or abandoned by the side of the road, or it may be something you perceive as ordinary such as a loud noise.