Dog bite prevention

I wanted to share with you an article I wrote recently for a local publication called Pet Connection Magazine.  This free publication can be found in groomers, vets and pet focused businesses throughout the South Sound.  You can also find them on the web at http://petconnectionmagazine.com/.

Each year in the United States there are an estimated 4.7 million dog bites.  Of these, 800,000 require medical treatment.  Children, especially young children, are the most likely victims of these bites, followed by the elderly and postal carriers.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  There are things we can do, things we can teach our families and things we can teach our dogs to reduce the number of bites.

First, be a responsible dog owner. 

• Be sure your animal is healthy and well vaccinated.  Disease and pain can increase the chance that a dog will bite. 
• Choose a pet that has a friendly, trainable personality.  Any dog, whether 2 lbs or 200 lbs can bite.  Meet the dog and talk to the breeder or shelter caretakers about the dog’s personality. 
• Neuter or spay your dog.  Un-neutered dogs are at increased risk of aggression and biting behavior. 
• Socialize your dog.  Puppies need to be exposed to a wide variety of people, situations and other dogs early in life.  The prime socialization period is before 12 weeks of age.  Look for puppy classes where the attendees are screened for health and appropriate vaccination schedules.  Older dogs can still be socialized.
• Do not allow roaming. Dogs roaming loose are much more likely to display abnormal aggressive behavior then dogs kept close to home.  They may also form a pack making them even more dangerous.

Second, teach your children how to be safe around dogs. 

• Teach your children how to handle the dog.  Gentle petting on the back is good.  Avoid hair or tail pulling, fingers in or near eyes and mouth.
• Teach children when and how to approach a dog. Never approach a dog that is eating, sick, caring for puppies, or restrained in any manner.  
• No running or screaming.  This can trigger abnormal behavior.
• Ask to touch.  If the owner is present, ask them if it is ok to pet their dog before approaching.  Then let the dog sniff you before gently petting them on their back. If the owner is not present, do not approach the dog.
• Supervise children.  Never leave young children alone with dogs.  They will experiment even if they are good at following rules in your presence! 
• Be BORING.  Teach your children “Stand like a tree. Lay like a rock.” when approached by dogs.

Finally, train your dog. 

• Give your dog a job.  Use positive reinforcement training methods to teach your dog what is expected when they are approached by a stranger. 
• Give your dog a break.  Allow your dog to avoid stressful or fearful situations.  Don’t take them places that cause stress, give them a safe place in your home to retreat to such as a bedroom or always open kennel that is off limits to visitors.
• Get help.  Work with your veterinarian and a recommended positive reinforcement trainer.  Be willing to accept that some situations may never be right for your dog and need to be avoided.

Dogs are wonderful companions and a great deal of fun.  Regular contact with dogs has many benefits including reducing blood pressure and anxiety.  By taking some simple and proactive steps we can enjoy the company of dogs while significantly reducing the risk of dog bites.

Additional resources:
    www.avma.org
    www.preventthebite.org