Tips for preventing Dog Bites…
Dog bites are a common problem that sends more and more people to the hospital each year. Many of these bites could be avoided by taking time to learn some basic dog behavior.
As a dog owner it is your responsibility to keep your dog under control, either on a leach or safely confined. But what do you do when you encounter a strange dog? Are there steps you can take to avoid being bitten?
According to the American Kennel Club, following these principle steps will lessen the chances of a dog attack.
- Do not run away from the dog and do not yell or make loud noises.
- Stand very still like a tree. Cross your arms over your chest, as if you are giving yourself a great, big hug. (This shape forms the trunk of your tree.) Look away from the dog. Dogs sometimes think direct eye contact is a challenge for power and control. You do not want to challenge the dog. You want the dog to go away.
- Toss an object away from you and away from the dog. This should attract its attention toward the object - and away from you. The dog should move toward the thrown object to sniff and investigate it. This will give you a chance to slowly turn and walk away.
Never try to feed a strange dog… this is not the time to pull out the bully sticks and dog chews. Some dogs can become very aggressive when it comes to food.
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