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Tips on Avoiding Dog Bites
Before heading into tips on
avoiding dog bites, it is
important to consider the basics about dogs. First and foremost, dogs
are animals. If we think of dogs as anything other than that, it is
unfair to them and puts them under undue pressure to perform as
something other than dogs. One of the Top Ten questions I get from
people considering euthanasia or placing a dog up for adoption relates
to biting. Many people impulsively get a dog and very few of them
follow through with training.
Dog nips, bites and attacks in the United States are on the rise. The CDC estimates that over 5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. That is about 2% of the population in the United States. Of those, about 16% seek medical attention. The majority of people bitten by dogs are children, but service people and the elderly are also high on the frequently bitten list.
American Family Insurance all ready has a policy in place that prohibits coverage to households with a wolf, wolf hybrid or pit bull. The ineligible dog list is extended in some states to also include Rottweilers and Chow Chows. The list also denies coverage to mixed breed dogs involving these breeds. Other breeds that may be next on the no coverage hit list include: German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute.
Here are some basic tips to reduce your risk of dog bites:
Dog nips, bites and attacks in the United States are on the rise. The CDC estimates that over 5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. That is about 2% of the population in the United States. Of those, about 16% seek medical attention. The majority of people bitten by dogs are children, but service people and the elderly are also high on the frequently bitten list.
American Family Insurance all ready has a policy in place that prohibits coverage to households with a wolf, wolf hybrid or pit bull. The ineligible dog list is extended in some states to also include Rottweilers and Chow Chows. The list also denies coverage to mixed breed dogs involving these breeds. Other breeds that may be next on the no coverage hit list include: German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute.
Here are some basic tips to reduce your risk of dog bites:
- Don't leave babies or children unattended with dogs or puppies.
- Don't play aggressive games with dogs.
- Don't disturb sleeping or eating dogs.
- Don't bother a bitch caring for her puppies.
- Don't tease dogs or make loud noises around them.
- Don't stick your face into a dog's face.
- Don't put your hand between two dogs.
- Don't stare into a dog's eyes.
- Don't make fast, jerky movements around a dog's head.
- Don't approach a dog you don't know, especially if it is chained or tied up.
- Don't chase dogs.
- Don't move suddenly or make any direct contact with an unfamiliar dog. If a dog approaches you, don't run or scream but remain still. If the dog does knock you down, roll into a ball, protect your head and face, and don't move.
- DO ask the owner's permission to pet a strange dog. Approach the dog slowly with your hand out flat and let him sniff you. Instead of petting the top of the dog's head, pet him underneath his chin. If he growls, back away.