How can I prevent dog bites?

Let’s talk about dog bites. 

Dog bites can occur from any dog, whether the dog is owned or free-roaming. No breed is exempt from the potential to bite, as any dog can react aggressively under certain circumstances. Children are particularly at high risk for dog bites due to their loud behavior, unpredictable movements, and tendency to be at face level with dogs, which can be perceived as threatening. 

How can you tell that a dog is going to bite? 

There are several warning signs that a dog may be about to bite. Early signals can include yawning, blinking, licking their nose, panting, or looking away. A dog may also try to avoid the situation by walking away, tucking its tail, or pinning its ears back. More serious warning signs include a crouched or stiff body posture and intense staring. If these signals are ignored, the dog may escalate to growling, showing its teeth, snapping, freezing, and ultimately biting. 

Did you know that respecting dogs is the first step to keeping us safe, and it helps prevent us from being bitten? 

Showing respect to animals is important, and there are many thoughtful ways to do so. Animals should always be given the right amount of food and have access to clean, fresh water. They should never be yelled at or hit, and people should use calm, quiet voices around them to avoid causing fear. Their living spaces should be kept clean, and they should be taken to a veterinarian when they are sick or injured. Regular walks and time to play outside help keep animals healthy and happy.

When approaching an animal, it’s best to do so slowly and calmly. They should be handled gently when being petted or held. Before petting someone else’s animal, always ask the owner for permission. Animals need personal space, so people should avoid putting their faces too close to the animal’s face. Pets should not be disturbed while they are eating or sleeping. It’s also important never to pull on their ears or tails, and they should never be jumped on, climbed on, or laid on. Greeting animals appropriately and treating them with kindness helps ensure they feel safe, respected, and loved. 

A big part of respecting all of the animals around us is to never approach or touch an animal that isn’t ours without the permission of an adult first. 

There are several warning signs that a dog may show to let us know it might bite. These signs can include ears that are either standing straight forward or pressed flat against the head. A dog may also bark or growl as a warning. Another common signal is when a dog lifts its lips to show its teeth. In some cases, the dog’s body language might include a tucked tail and a crouched or lowered body posture. Recognizing these signs can help people stay safe and give the dog space before it feels the need to defend itself. 

If a dog you don’t know approaches you in the community… 

1. Stop moving, remain calm 
2. Turn your face away from the dog
3. Look at the ground and avoid eye contact with the dog
4. Keep your arms by your side
5. Count in your head until the dog leaves or help comes
6. If you get knocked over by the dog: curl up in a ball and cover your face with your arms and fists. This is called a turtle pose; keep your arms close to your body like a turtle.

DO NOT: 

1. Run or scream 
2. Wave your arms
3. Try to approach the dog

In Conclusion… 

Dogs should be treated with the same respect and kindness that we expect for ourselves. It’s important not to disturb them while they are eating, drinking, nursing, or sleeping, as this can make them feel threatened or anxious. Avoid putting your face directly up to a dog’s face, as this can be perceived as a challenge or invasion of their space. Refrain from grabbing, hugging, or kissing dogs, as not all dogs enjoy this kind of contact. Additionally, never throw rocks at or kick dogs, as this is harmful and disrespectful behavior. 

Here are some resources about dog bites: