5 Things You Can Do to Prevent A Dog Bite

Every year there are over four and a half million reported dog bites on people. This is a crazy large number, but it’s also a statistic that could easily be changed with proper training, both for the humans and the dogs. It’s important to understand that when a dog bites, it’s not doing so out of anger, but rather out of fear, anxiety, nervousness or aggression. People who say that dogs don’t have feelings are absolutely wrong. All it takes is one look into those sweet eyes and every pet parent knows exactly what their dog is feeling. But, there are certain limitations to those feelings. For example, dogs don’t get angry and they don’t do things out of spite. Dogs also don’t understand human versions of punishment, so putting them in a “time out” will do little to help them realize what they did wrong or even learn from it. However, dog bites are painful and can cause more serious issues like infection, and can also result in a trip to an urgent care facility or the emergency room.

Fortunately, there are several things that we as pet parents can do to help prevent a dog bite, both from our own dogs and from other dogs, as well.

In honor of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, here are 5 Things You Can Do To Prevent A Dog Bite:

1. Socialize your dog. Dogs often bite out of fear, especially if they are unfamiliar with their surroundings or not trusting of people. Taking your dogs on regular walks to new areas can help teach your dog that new places and situations are nothing to be fearful or nervous about.
2. Training. This may seem obvious, but training a dog is more than just about the common sit, stay, come and lie down commands. It’s important to train your dog to be tolerant of strangers, both human and animal. Also, teach your dog how to behave properly around food and toys. For dogs that are hyper or tend to play rough, focusing on non-aggressive forms of play, such as fetch instead of tug of war, will encourage your dog to play nicer and be gentler.
3. Body Language. A dog often communicates the loudest, not only with their bark, but with their body. How a dog carries himself, the ears, the head and the tail, can speak volumes about how that dog feels about both himself, and his surroundings.

Signs of a friendly and happy dog are:

Ears forward

Propeller wag

Whole body wag

Slightly curved tail wagging briskly

Play bow

…versus…

 Signs of an alert and warning dog:

Ears back with forward stance

Hackles up

Slow deliberate wag with tail held high or level with back

Forepaw lift

Growling/snarling/baring teeth

Freezing/stiff

4. Respecting Space. Just like people sometimes need their space, so do dogs. Pet parents are the best judges of their own dogs’ needs, and therefore should be in control of anyone coming near or wanting to pet their dog. Some dogs love physical affection while others need time to get used to a new presence. Strangers, and especially children, should always ask before petting a dog, even if that dog looks friendly and happy. It’s also important to let a strange dog smell you before reaching out to pet it.
5. Use A Leash. A dog running free can get into a lot more trouble than a dog on a leash, even if it is one of those flexi-leashes that can expand several feet in all directions. Pet parents are of course the best judges of if their dogs can be trusted to roam freely and safely in permitted areas. But when in doubt, always keep the leash on.

Some dog bites can’t be avoided, but with proper education and training, a lot of dog bites can be prevented. Many humans who are bitten by dogs don’t get over the traumatic experience, leading to a lifelong fear and avoidance of dogs. These are potentially future pet parents who could’ve saved the life of one or more dogs that now find themselves living in shelters or on the streets.

One human and one dog can make a difference in the lives of many, with unlimited potential and promise for the future. Let’s honor National Dog Bite Prevention Week and help keep dogs and their humans safe.