Dog bites are, sadly, common occurrences in Canada. In many cases, victims of dog bites know the dog that bit them, and may even live in the same house as the dog. Many victims are children, but adults are also at risk of getting bitten. Here are some tips to help prevent dog bites, either from strange dogs or your own, so you can feel confident and safe around any dog.
- If a dog approaches you aggressively, don't try to make friends with it.
- Stand still, upright, and don't move at all, if possible. This will give the dog a chance to get close enough to assess you, and leave on its own terms after realizing you are not a threat.
- Allow the dog to sniff you, but don't put your hand out towards it or make any sudden moves. This could be perceived by the dog as a sign of aggression.
- Never turn your back on an aggressive dog as this is seen as a back down and he could take advantage of your submissive body language.
- Keep your eye on the dog, but don't stare or make eye contact. This could be perceived as aggressive behaviour, and could cause the dog to attack.
- Once the dog looks or walks away, back away slowly and steadily, keeping the dog in sight at all times. Freeze your actions if he comes back to investigate you.
- If a dog attacks you, curl up on the ground in a fetal position, wrapping your arms around your head to protect your face, ears, head, and neck. Play dead, and don't fight back.
- Teach children not to approach dogs. Many bites occur when dogs are feel threatened or frightened by an approaching person.
- Tell children to leave the dog alone when it is sleeping or eating.
- Never leave kids alone with a dog, no matter how well-behaved the pooch is. Dogs can often misinterpret the intentions or actions of a child and feel no alternative but to bite. It's not worth putting your child, or your pet, in that risky situation.
- When visiting friends or relatives, who have a dog, don’t allow your child to play in the yard unsupervised. If that’s not possible, ask the owners to put the dog away.
- Do not allow your child to feed a dog unsupervised, as some dogs can be very protective of food and never allow your dog to snatch food from your child.
- Do not allow your child to pull on the dog’s collar to lead it outside the house – it could bite them. The dog should be taught to respond to a verbal command.
- Children without adult supervision should not be allowed to walk a dog. A child could unwittingly be dragged into a fight with
- another dog.
- Never let children discipline a dog.
- Your child should always precede your dog through a door or gate.