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PREVENTING DOG BITES
By Karen Gray-Kilfoil (Cape) -
ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST AND HUMANE EDUCATOR
Why do dogs bite?
Dogs bite because they are predators, like humans, and are designed to hunt. Biting is part of the hunting instinct and dogs bite for a reason. They can bite because they are hungry, in pain, afraid, too excited or frustrated. Dogs that are lonely or bored may bite to get some action or attention. Some breeds are more likely to bite than others. For example pit bull terriers and Rottweilers are bred to be aggressive.
How can you prevent your own dog biting?
Make sure your dog is properly fed, healthy, taken for walks regularly, trained in a kind way, has company most of the day and a view out of his yard and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, get lots of calm attention from his owners. This does not mean you will not have a watchdog. In fact dogs are more protective if they are correctly cared for, because they see the family as their “pack”.
Avoiding dog bites:
Children should be taught from an early age to respect their own and strange dogs. These are some basic rules to prevent dog bites.
Avoid these situations:
Never:
What to do if you are afraid of a dog:
If you are confronted by a dog and are afraid of it, NEVER scream, run or wave your arms. The best thing to do is “Be a tree”. In other words, stand still, keep quiet and keep your hands still. Try not to stare at the dog, but look away at something else. Eventually the dog will get bored and walk away. If you fall down or are knocked down by the dog, the best thing to do is “Be a hedgehog”. In other words curl up into a ball, keep still and quiet and wait for the dog to move away.
If you are afraid of all dogs, then it is a good idea to get to know one and get over the fear. A small dog or puppy is usually harmless and easy to like. Children should be taught to respect and love all animals as they all have a place in our world.
How can you prevent your own dog biting?
Make sure your dog is properly fed, healthy, taken for walks regularly, trained in a kind way, has company most of the day and a view out of his yard and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, get lots of calm attention from his owners. This does not mean you will not have a watchdog. In fact dogs are more protective if they are correctly cared for, because they see the family as their “pack”.
Avoiding dog bites:
Children should be taught from an early age to respect their own and strange dogs. These are some basic rules to prevent dog bites.
Avoid these situations:
- A dog eating or chewing
- A dog with puppies
- A dog in pain – Call someone who knows how to handle it.
- A growling dog
- A sleeping dog – Let Sleeping Dogs Lie.
- Dog fights – Throw water on them from a distance.
Never:
- Threaten or force a dog – Use food to get a dog to do something.
- Hurt a do
- Tease a dog through a fence
- Play roughly with a dog – Stop playing when it gets too excited.
- Hug, pick up or touch a strange dog – Always ask the dog’s owner first.
What to do if you are afraid of a dog:
If you are confronted by a dog and are afraid of it, NEVER scream, run or wave your arms. The best thing to do is “Be a tree”. In other words, stand still, keep quiet and keep your hands still. Try not to stare at the dog, but look away at something else. Eventually the dog will get bored and walk away. If you fall down or are knocked down by the dog, the best thing to do is “Be a hedgehog”. In other words curl up into a ball, keep still and quiet and wait for the dog to move away.
If you are afraid of all dogs, then it is a good idea to get to know one and get over the fear. A small dog or puppy is usually harmless and easy to like. Children should be taught to respect and love all animals as they all have a place in our world.
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