How to Prevent Dog Bites
Whether you are a dog owner or frequent the homes of dog owners, you may have worried about dog bites a time or two in your life. Even dogs who have never bitten before can bite if they feel threatened or scared. Below, read about 5 ways to prevent dog bites so that you avoid these tragic situations. By following a few simple steps, you can keep others as well as yourself out of harm’s way. Plus, you can make the dog a lot happier too.
5 Ways to Prevent Dog Bites
1. Know what you are walking into.
If visiting a friend for the first time and they have a dog do so calmly and respectfully. Don’t run into the house too animated or get in the dog’s face. You are invading their territory. That alone could make the difference to the dog as you walk into the home. Don’t tower over the dog find a seat and let the dog come over to you on their own. If you are uncomfortable around dogs tell your friend before you arrive and ask if they can put the dog in another room.Dogs can sense the unease and they react to it.
If their dog likes a particular treat, it may not hurt to have it on hand as well so the dog knows you are a good guy!
2. Fists first.
Teach children (and remind yourself) to always use the fists first method. Before petting any dog or touching them always hold your fist out so the dog can sniff it and get a sense for you.
3. Take it slow.
When around any dog, always move slow. Sudden movements can startle the pet and cause them to become agitated. IF a dog is not used to little children running around the house tell them to speak using their inside voice and to walk not run from room to room. Instead, be calm and take easy steps and movements so the dog is not startled. Running or grabbing for something quickly can upset a dog, so these are two motions to avoid right off hand. Most dogs you will encounter at a friends house are going to be friendly just give them the chance to adjust to newcomers.
4. Be respectful of their things.
Do not grab at a dog’s toys or hover near its food. It could easily feel like it needs to protect those things and therefore react. Instead, be respectful of the dog’s things and your time together will be more smooth. If on the other hand the dog offers you the ball or toy to play with you should feel safe that the dog wants to play and sees you as a brand new friend.
5. Keep noise to a minimum.
Loud noises can startle a dog, as can any noises that sound like barking or whining. Avoid loud noises so the dog does not feel threatened or scared.
Keeping things calm, quiet, and moving slow will always make a dog feel more at peace and relaxed. Many dog bites could be avoided this way. Be respectful of their space, and you are able to keep yourself in a safer situation. Be mindful and prevent dog bites before they have the chance of occurring.
About “take it slow ” way, I think it is a little bit difficult to control yourself in such situation
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These are all very good tips to follow when approaching dogs for the first time. I have small dogs and when I take them outside to potty the neighborhood kids want to run up and just start petting them and of course I have to maneuver my dogs away because I know they may snap at them (and have). I have tried to explain to them numerous times to come slow and allow my dogs to sniff their hand first, they still don’t listen. We have had a few close calls. They always (everyday) ask me “do your dogs bite” and I explain “no, BUT they may if you just jump at them.”
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I think there is a lot to be said about teaching people how to properly interact with all animals, including dogs. People need to learn that they need to respect animals and treat them with understanding!
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Very good tips for families like mine who aren’t pet owners.
Tammy recently posted..Home Reflections on 2013 and What’s Up for 2014
excellent tips! i think many dog bites could be prevented if people would just take a moment and let dogs assess them and the situation
This is great advice. I have a pet sitting business in our town and people can be thoughtless with dogs they do not know.
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thank you for the tips, we do not have a dog but my kids are always wanting to go up to strangers dogs and per them it makes me nervous.
This is such good information. One of my dogs is sweet as can be but she is very jumpy and scares easily. She’s been known to snap when startled.
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Thanks for your advice. My sister got bit by a dog at 5 and scarred her for life!
Great tips! I was bit as a child and am terrified of dogs to this day. I don’t want my son to have the same fear.
I got bit by a dog when I was 10. My neighbor friend who I played with a few times a week had a big mean scary dog, and I was always terrified by him (hence the sense my fear!!). One evening I was playing late and the dad came home and let him off his chain and he ran right for me and bit me on the back of my neck while we were playing on the grass. I’m still don’t like dogs because of it.
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Great tips! I especially like #1! I think dogs should be allowed to approach visiting people rather than the other way around. Fantastic information.
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We have a small friendly dog but you never know when he will try to bite someone. He was a rescue and he doesn’t like strange men that come in the house–the insurance guy, delivery guy, etc.
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Huh… never heard of the “fists first” method. Very interesting! We have a German Shepherd who has all of a sudden started biting after 6 years. Even people he knows and sees often. It’s like an excited bite, but dangerous. :/
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Oh no! That is really sad and scary. Could your dog have injured himself somewhere or be in pain for any reason? That can cause an otherwise happy friendly dog to act out.
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I didn’t know it was fists first. I thought it was palms up, but that’s just what I remember from childhood. I’m much more comfortable with the fists first idea, so thanks!
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We rescued our dog a couple of years ago. It turns out he was pretty heavily abused and so is extremely fearful…of all people. His fear can easily turn aggressive. Now that we have been working on this for a couple of years, I am amazing at how many kids and adults just walk up to pet a dog without asking first. These are great tips!
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I grew up having dogs and most were very large so I didn’t think anything of them until I was four, had just come out of a body cast from a broken femur and with an adult that was bitten trying to protect me. It made me much more cautious of approaching dogs I didn’t know. These are all great tips!
What great tips. Thank you for sharing how to keep our families safe.
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