Petcare Made Simple

Preventative Measures to Keep Dogs from Biting

There is no way to guarantee that your dog or dogs will never bite a human being but there are preventative measures you can take. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has provided some excellent tips. First of all it is advisable to do your research before choosing a dog that is appropriate for your family. Take your lifestyle as well as your immediate environment (your house, yard, neighboring houses, proximity to walking trails and parks, etc.) into consideration and if necessary speak to a professional who knows plenty about dogs and can advise you as to what kind of dog is right for you.

One of the best things you can do for your dog is to spay or neuter him/her. Dogs who are “fixed” are less likely to bite and tend to be better adjusted. Sterilization makes for less aggressive behavior in dogs and it also takes away their desire to want to break away from their home and roam around the neighborhood.

Always be as sensitive as you can be when it comes to how a child feels about a particular dog. Not all children feel comfortable around dogs and many can even be scared which can lead to tears. Foster an environment where a child will develop a love of dogs and all animals by not pushing them too hard and by allowing the love and interest in an animal to develop at a child’s own pace. As well it is important to explain to children ways to be safe and play safe around dogs. Children should be reminded of these things on a consistent basis until they become ingrained in their minds.

The CDC also recommends that to avoid the potential of a dog bite, no one should ever engage in aggressive play or rough games with a dog. Activities such as wrestling should never take place between a person and a dog. Although biting in this case may result from enthusiasm it can also breed aggression and confuse the dog. Speaking of aggression, dogs that are known to have problems with aggression (such as dogs that were mistreated and encouraged to be aggressive by their irresponsible owners) are never appropriate for homes where there are children. This is an accident just waiting to happen.

To avoid the chance of a dog bite, never walk up to a stray dog or any dog that is not known to you. It is also wise to report stray dogs in your neighborhood to the appropriate authorities as well as dogs that are wandering around bothering people or dogs that appear ill and/or mistreated. If a dog you don’t know does approach you on the street or anywhere you are, remain calm and stand still until it leaves you alone. Always protect your face, head and neck and never give into fear by yelling or running as this could make the situation worse.

A dog that is sleeping, eating, playing with toys or taking care of its young should never be disturbed. A dog that is awakened suddenly is likely to be angry while a dog that is eating or playing with toys is likely to feel very protective of his things and might assume that you are trying to steal them from him. He might lash out at you in the form of biting in order to keep what is his safe. As well a mother dog that is taking care of her puppies does not want any interference from you, as her naturally ingrained motherly instinct is very strong. Any threat real, or not is likely to cause her to bite a person who ventures too close to her offspring. In this case look but do not touch is the best policy to follow.

It is important to train your dog as best as you can and to get him or her used to people in your life. Treat her well and take care of her and your dog is not as likely to act in a hostile manner towards others. Happy, healthy well-loved dogs tend to make the best pets and if their owner is good to them, they will return the favor many times over. Be a responsible dog owner by having your dog licensed and taking it to the vet for shots as required. As well teach your dog not to roam, run out into the street and chase cars or bicyclists, and not to growl or react aggressively to visitors to your home, the newspaper delivery person, the milk man and so one. While dog bites do happen these preventative measures should cut down on their occurrence considerably.