What You should know about Dog Bite Prevention

What You should know about Dog Bite Prevention

(Excerpts from ‘Information issued as a public service’ by Bark Busters Home Dog Training , USA , www.BarkBusters.com)

Did you know ?

1 More than 4.7 million Americans were bitten by dogs in the year 2009 and the majority of the victims included small children , the elderly and the US Postal Service Letter Carriers (postmen) .

2 Over 800,000 dog bite victims required medical attention and about 40 , 000 victims needed emergency treatment.

3 The majority of the dog bites occur within the pet owner’s home . ( You are visiting a friend and his ferocious looking dog will be barking at you , your friend will be assuring you , it ‘s a baby , it will only bark but won’t bite anyone and you will be wondering yes a barking dog seldom bites but does the barking dog know that , just kidding).

4 Almost two thirds of dog bites for are the age group 4 years and younger and the injuries are on the head or neck region.

5 Injury rates in children are higher for boys than girls.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Safety tips to follow when a dog approaches

1 Don’t turn and run – dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.

2 Stand still , hands at your sides . In most cases , the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.

3 Don’t scream. If you say anything , speak calmly and firmly.

4Face the dog at all times , but don’t stare . Avoid eye contact .

5 Allow the dog to sniff you , but don’t put your hand out.

6Back away slowly watching the dog from the corner of your eye.

Safety Tips for Children

1 Never pet a strange dog , even if the owner is present .

2 Stay away from a dog while it is eating and sleeping .

3 Never retrieve a ball from someone else’s yard.

4Stay away from a dog that has puppies.

5 Stay away from a dog that is tied up.

6 Never pull a dog’s ears or tail.

7 Never tease a dog or make it angry .

8 Stand totally still if a dog runs at you barking. Cover your face with your hands .

9 Do not yank your hands away if a dog ‘mouths’ your hands.

10 If knocked down to the ground by a dog , roll into a ball , cover your face with your arms , and stay as still as possible until the dog leaves.

Safety Tips For Parents

1 Do not allow your young child to discipline a dog.

2 Never leave a young child or a baby alone with dog.

3 Do not allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised.

4 Do not allow your child to pull on a dog’s collar.

5 Do not allow your child to walk the dog unsupervised.

6 Do not allow your child to play aggressive games with any dog .

7 Teach your dog to be submissive and to respond to verbal commands.

Dogs are wonderful companions . By acting responsibly owners not only reduce the number of dog bites, but also enhance the relationship they have with their dog .