Did You Know? There are 52,000,000 dogs owned in the USA. - American Veterinary Association In 1995, there were 3,500,000 Dog Bites. - Humane Society of the US (HSUS) The chance that a bite will require medical attention is 1 in 5. HSUS/Center for Disease Control (CDC) There is a 3.2 to 1 chance that a victim requiring medical attention will be a child. - CDC There are 9-15 dog bite fatalities, on average, each year. HSUS/CDC The average amount of a dog bite insurance claim is $12,000, and there is a 1 in 3 chance that a bodily injury claim will involve a dog bite. - State Farm Insurance There is a 6 in 10 chance that the biting dog will not be neutered and an 8 in 10 chance the dog will be male. - HSUS The ratio of households keeping a dog due to fear of crime in 1981 compared to 1993 is 2-1. The chance that the victim of a fatal attack will be a burglar is 1 in 77. - HSUS There is a 7 in 10 chance that the victim of a fatal attack will be a child. - CDC/HSUS The likelihood that a dog which has bitten will be destroyed is high. - HSUS When A DOG BITES, Everybody Gets Hurt Be a Responsible Dog Owner Don't assume your dog won't bite. This is a dangerous attitude many pet owners have of their animals. All dogs, no matter how gentle, have the potential to bite. Spay or neuter your dog. Unneutered dogs are three times more likely to bite. They are more territorial, dominant, prone to growl, snap, or bite and are more easily distracted than neutered dogs. Obedience train your dog. It confirms your place in the hierarchy, and gives you the basis to control your dog in any situation. Dog obedience classes also help you to understand your dog better. It often eliminates or minimizes dangerous behaviors. Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Don't play aggressive games with your dog, such as wrestling, or "siccing" your dog on another person or thing. You give the wrong message to your dog that it is OK to be aggressive back. Keep your dog healthy with proper vaccinations and preventive care, such as Heartworm, Parvo, etc. A sick dog, or one in pain, will not be as tolerant as a healthy dog. Know your dog. What overexcites him or puts him on his guard? Know his personal language. Learn to read his tail, eyes, ears and posture; this is how your dog signals you that he is trying to be dominant, aggressive or just play. Do not tolerate any nipping or biting by your dog. Any bite is an assertion of power and must be dealt with. Call a reputable trainer immediately for professional assistance. Keep your dog leashed in public. Dogs are far less likely to exhibit aggressive behavior while on lead, and if they do, you are better prepared to stop it safely. Do not breed dogs of poor temperament, as temperament is hereditary. Breeders must carefully screen potential buyers of puppies to make sure a proper match is being made and that the new owners will be responsible in training and caring for the young dog. Conduct educational sessions with your children on how to behave around the family dog. Dogs do not consider children on an equal par with you until they are about 12 years old. Children do not have the mental and physical maturity to understand the importance of leash laws and the dog's body language. Teach Your Children Never approach or pat a dog without asking the owner's permission. Even if you see a dog you know loose in the neighborhood, do not try to catch him. Go and tell a grown-up. Once you've been given permission to approach the dog, talk quietly, walk up slowly, and present your hand rolled up like a fist for the dog to sniff. Remember, most dogs like to be patted on the neck or under the chin better than on their head. DO NOT hug the dog. The dog may think you are trying to hurt him. DO NOT try to kiss the dog. He might think you are trying to bite him. DON'T SCREAM AND RUN around the dog. This can excite him, or make him feel threatened. Don't stare at the dog. To a dog, that is a challenge to fight. Leave the dog alone while he is eating or sleeping. If a dog gets a treat that was not meant for him, tell the owner or another grown-up. If the dog is in a crate (cage) or car, never put your fingers inside. If a dog growls at you, don't run away or scream, it will only make it worse. Back slowly away, keeping your hands at your sides, or folding them across your chest. Remember not to stare at the dog! If you have permission to give a dog a treat, put the treat in the palm of your hand and offer it to the dog. Don't hold it in the tip of your fingers, because that can lead to nipping!
Developed by Charlotte Mielziner, Safety Sam Dog Bite Prevention Program. |
Preventing
DOG BITES is the 
