Dog Bite Prevention Week

Over 1 million people in North America will suffer from a dog bite this year, and about the same number will go unreported. The truly unfortunate fact of these bites, is that the vast majority will be children.

Most of these dog bites will come from animals that know the victim, from unleashed dogs, and the fault lies really with both the pet owners and the victims. Uneducated pet owners and children are the culprits, and responsible dog ownership involves teaching both other owners, as well as children, on the proper way to approach and be around your neighborhood dogs.

9 reasons why dogs bite, to help you understand what should be avoided:
1. They will bite if angry, scared, or threatened. Even a friendly dog will bite.
2. If they feel crowded or cornered.
3. They will protect what they think belongs to them such as their food or toys.
4. Dogs will protect their territory such as a sleeping area, their yard, porch, car or home.
5. By nature Dogs are predatory and love to chase and attack.
6. A stray dog may feel stressed from being lost or hurt and might bite with a lot less provocation.
7. A dog is startled.
8. Playing rough or allow puppies to bite.
9. A dog is excited or wound up from someone yelling and screaming.


Some Tips:
* Teach your children to never approach strange dogs.
* Most injuries are caused by putting your face too close to a dog's.
* Never pet a dog thats eating, sleeping or caring for its puppies.
* Stay away from dogs that are tied up or in cars.
* You should always ask permission from a pet owner to pet his dog. Even if he is present and the dog is on a leash.
* Refrain from swinging anything at a dog. This is an invitation to bite.
* Do not allow play biting - ever.