Preventing and Avoiding Dog Bites

• Act like a tree and stand still with your arms by your side.  Don't run because it's a dog's instinct to chase fleeing prey.  Most dogs will only sniff you, and will eventually leave.  Remain motionless until the dog moves away, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight

• Avoid direct eye contact with the threatening dog as this will increase its aggressive behavior.

• If a dog does attack, feed them your jacket, purse or anything that can come between you and the dog.

• Avoid running past a dog or turning your back on a dog and run away.  A dog's instinct is to chase and catch fleeing prey.

In most cases, dog bites are not caused by bad dogs so much as by irresponsible pet owners or owners who do not educate their children about avoiding bites.

• Pet owners should enroll their dog in obedience training.  Dogs who receive little attention or handling, or who are tied outside for long periods frequently turn into biters.

• Avoid dogs that exhibit aggressive behavior that includes snarling, barking, ears straight up, and motionless tail.  Conversely a friendly dog wags its tail and the ears are back against it head.

• Spay or neuter your pet.  Statistics show that unsterilized dogs are up to three times as likely to bite as those who have been sterilized.

• Be very cautious around injured cats or dogs (including ones' own pet) because they are more likely to bite.

• Seek professional advice from a dog trainer if your dog shows aggression by disobedience or dominant behavior such as growling or nipping.

• Don't disturb a dog or cat that is sleeping, eating or caring for its young.

• Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting them see and sniff you first.  Startled dogs are more likely to bite.

• Never approach a strange dog, especially one who is confined or restrained.

• Don't enter unfamiliar property without first knowing if a dog is present.  Dogs are more likely to bite when a stranger enters their territory.  From outside a fence, rattle it to make noise.  You can call out from the safety of your car.  A dog will come to the noise and you can avoid the dog exhibiting aggressive behavior.

• Be cautious when you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation with a stranger.  Restrain the dog by a leash held by a strong family member, not by a young child.  You can also place the dog in another room and close the door.
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