About four and a half million people are bitten by dogs every year, according to the CDC. One in five people (that’s about 885,000!) require medical attention for their injuries, and in 2006 more than 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog bite. I don’t tell you this to scare you, only to emphasize how important dog bite prevention training is.
Education and training for the entire family is key to dog bite prevention. We need to train the two legged and four legged members of our families about communication and how to act appropriately. Around thirty-nine percent of the US population owns at least one dog, so even if you don’t have a dog, chances are you know someone who does, and you will spend some time around dogs. Please make yourself familiar with these dog bite prevention tips and teach your children the basics of dog bite prevention.
Dog bite prevention tips for dog owners:
Consult with a professional (reputable dog breeder, veterinarian) about you household and what dog breeds might be best suited for you.
If you are planning on adding a new dog to your family, spend some time with that dog if possible before you make a final decision.
Properly socialize and train any dog living in your household starting when they are puppies, if possible.
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If your dog develops aggressive behavior seek advice from a professional (veterinarian, reputable breeder, animal behaviorists, etc.).
Keep your dog healthy by getting him regular vaccinations and check-ups. How your dog feels directly affects how it behaves, so make sure he is feeling good!
Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
Half of all children have been bitten by a dog by the time they reach 12 years of age. Most of the time these bites are by the family dog or another dog known by the child and many can be prevented through training and education. Teach your children to read dog body language and how to act around dogs. Remind your children of the following dog bite prevention tips on a regular basis.
Dog bite prevention tips for kids:
Never approach a dog you don’t know. If an unfamiliar dog approaches you act like a tree – this means to stay still, keep your arms down and don’t make eye contact.
Never run from a dog or scream when a dog approaches you.
Do not make direct eye contact with a dog.
Before you pet a dog, let him check you out – sniff your hand, take a good look at you – and then ask the dog’s owner if it is okay for you to pet the dog.
If you see a dog acting strange immediately find an adult to tell about it.
Never play with a dog when an adult is not around.
Never bother a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
If a dog knocks you over, curl into a ball with your hands on tops of your head and lie still.
Don’t wrestle or play aggressive games like tug-of-war with any dog. He could get too excited and bite you.
There are two keys to dog bite prevention. One is teaching children how to read dog body language and act accordingly, the other is socializing our puppies and dogs. When parents come to me looking for Anatolian Shepherd or Border Collie puppies for sale to add to their families, I find it is the perfect opportunity to educate them about dog bite prevention. The preceding tips are a great start to teaching the whole family how to respect dogs at home and around the neighborhood. Continue to remind yourself and your family about these important tips for dog bite prevention!
Harriet Pittman is the owner of Shadewood Farm and Kennel. If you are looking for Anatolian Shepherd for sale or Border Collie puppies for sale for sale in Virginia, give Shadewood Farm a call. For more information about dog bite prevention please visit her blog at www.ShadewoodFarm.com
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