Dogs are sweet and loyal, and they’re our best friends, but it’s still estimated that there are over 500,000 dog bites in Canada a year. That’s approximately a bite every 60 seconds! Even one is too many, and the truth is: almost every single bite is preventable.

Sadly, children and the elderly are the most common victims of dog bites. Children are often bitten on the face or neck because they happen to be closest in height. Adults are generally bitten on the hands. One out of every five bites requires serious medical attention, and some even require reconstructive surgery.

So why is this happening?

The risk that’s closer to home

When the average person imagines a dog bite, they might picture a breed that’s considered dangerous, coming out of nowhere, running off-leash toward a stranger in the park or on the street. While that certainly happens—and is preventable by the owners—these bites do not make up the bulk of the statistics.

Most dog bites are not from strays or strange dogs, but from loyal pets. No matter the breed, if your dog becomes aggravated, or injured by careless activity, they will communicate their fear or displeasure. If nobody reads those signs, they will eventually resort to a bite.

The real underlying issue

Clear communication makes all the difference. Unfortunately, even loving, long-time dog owners can fail to read these escalating signals from their dogs. The dogs don’t actually want to bite, and in almost every case, they feel they have no other choice because their discomfort and fear is being ignored.

If a dog DOES bite, they usually pay a steep price.

There are many things that can be done to prevent dog bites from occurring.

When the dog is a stranger

• Teach your children how to safely interact with the dogs they’ll meet. If they have a good relationship with the family dog at home, they may assume that certain types of physical interactions are appropriate for all dogs.
• Never assume a stray dog is friendly, and never allow children to approach a dog without first checking if it’s okay. If the dog is with an owner, always ask for permission before touching the dog—and that goes for children and adults alike.
• Never run from a strange dog. Instead, stand your ground, arms at your sides, and avoid eye contact. If you appear non-threatening, it will likely lose interest in you. Back away slowly if the dog doesn’t walk away on its own, and never call or yell at it.

With any dogs you know or meet

• Please never leave babies or small children unattended with dogs, even friendly ones. A hug or squeal could be perceived by your dog as a threat, and your dog could choose to bite to defend themselves.
• Never pet a dog while they are eating, or feeding their pups.
• Never allow children to climb on your dog’s back or hang from their neck. Even docile dogs can snap if they are annoyed enough.
• Leave dogs alone when they are sleeping, in their crates or on their beds.
• Learning to respect your dog, and other dogs, is the best way to prevent dog bites. If the dog seems anxious or distressed, it’s probably not a good time to pet them.

Practice your skills at reading your dog’s language

Before your dog resorts to a bite, they will likely do some or all of the following:

• Looking at you out of the corner of their eye with their head turned away. Can you see their eye whites?
• Walking away
• Creeping, with their ears back
• Cowering with their tail tucked
• Stiffening their body and rolling onto their back
• Growling
• Snapping

ANY breed can bite. If a dog is giving you or your child any of these cues, give them their space.

Start here to teach your children how to be dog-safe, and if you need more help, your Bark Busters trainer would be happy to guide you!