(US) national dog bite prevention week

Dog bites are a serious public health problem that inflicts considerable physical and emotional damage on victims. In the United States, there are more than 53 million dogs sharing the human-canine bond, more dogs per capita than in any other country in the world. An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten each year, although the actual number injured is unknown. Fifty percent of all children will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday.
 
These dreadful statistics are behind a national effort to increase awareness about how to prevent dog bites. This year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 6-22. Every year the Humane Society of the United States sponsors this event to help educate people about avoiding the problem. This year's theme is "Everybody Plays a Part" in preventing dog bites. Dog owners must socialize, train, and safely confine their dogs. People who come in contact with dogs must learn how to act properly to prevent bites. And parents need to explain to their kids how to deal with dogs.
 
There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite someone. But you can significantly reduce the risk by following these steps:
 
Spay or neuter your dog: This important and routine procedure will reduce your dog's desire to roam free and fight with other dogs, making safe confinement an easier task. Spayed and neutered dogs are much less likely to bite.
 
Socialize your dog: Introduce your dog to many different people and situations, so he/she is not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.
 
Train your dog: Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Never send your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home.
 
Be a responsible dog owner: License your dog, as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam alone. Make your dog a member of the family. Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs that are well socialized and supervised are much more likely not to bite.
 
Err on the safe side: If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery people, keep him in another room. Until you are confident of his behavior, avoid stressful situations.
 
Here are some dog-bite prevention tips, courtesy of NAHEE, the Sullivan County SPCA and the Warwick Valley Humane Society:

Before petting someone's dog, ask the person's permission. If it's OK, approach slowly and quietly. Let the dog sniff your hand first, below his eye level, and then pet the dog's sides or back gently.

Never sneak up on or pet an eating or sleeping dog. Animals may bite when they're startled or frightened.

Never pet a dog playing with a toy, in a car, behind a fence or chained on his own property. Dogs want to protect their property.

Teach children about dogs' body language:

- Angry: When a dog is angry or fearful, it is likely to bite and should never be approached. An angry dog may have its ears standing up, the fur on its back standing on end and tail straight up. The dog may bare its teeth, growl and stare straight at whoever is approaching.

- Afraid: A frightened dog behaves differently and may shrink to the ground, put its tail between its legs and fold its ears back.

Allow a newly adopted dog in your home time to trust everyone and to adjust to the family and surroundings.

Teach your dog right from wrong with positive reinforcement training.

Teach children what to do should they encounter an unknown dog, off-leash and without a caregiver. They should avoid such dogs, not make direct eye contact with them, and slowly and quietly walk away. If a strange dog approaches, children should follow these tips:

- If you are walking, stop and stand still (like a tree) with your hands at your side.

- If you are playing on the ground, lie still on the ground (like a log) with your knees tucked into your stomach and your hands over your ears.

- Never try to outrun a dog. Instead, back away slowly.

What also surprised me is this warning from Tammy Fis of the Sullivan County SPCA:

"From my own experiences, bites that occur are not from the dogs people would think, like pit bulls or Rottweilers. Most are from the little ankle-biter types. Because people think that the nipping is cute, they never train it out of them.

"Dogs are not born nasty; people train them to be or they become so due to lack of proper training."

If your dog bites someone, act responsibly by taking these steps:
 
Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim's condition. If necessary, seek medical help.
 
Cooperate with the Animal Control Officer responsible for acquiring information about your dog. Strictly follow quarantine requirements for your dog.
 
Do not give the dog away. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage he does, even when he is given to someone else.
 
For more information on preventing dog bites, please visit http://www.HSUS.com or http://www.cdc.gov.

Reference: http://somd.com & www.recordonline.com

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