There are some loose dogs that can be dangerous to those around them, and sometimes even a leashed or gated dog can pose a danger. It can be hard to avoid injury by a dangerous dog on the loose because it can be difficult to identify the dangerous dogs from the ones that are not. When it comes to your safety and the safety of others around you, it makes sense for you as a dog owner or even just a passerby to know these tips in preventing dog bites.
1. Learning Body Language
Just as you may be able to tell that another person is mad or upset by looking at their mannerisms, the same can be said about dogs. Some signs that will indicate to you that a dog is dangerous is going to be their stiff posture with their ears pinned back. A dangerous dog is also going to be growling or snarling. Another thing you can watch out for is if the dog is baring teeth. This can indicate that the dog may be ready to bite.
2. Proper Socialization
A dog is going to be less likely to bite if it has been repeated around other dogs and humans. The more a dog is able to be social, the less chance there is of the dog biting anyone. Taking a dog to a dog park or even a training class are great ways to begin to socialize a dog.
3. Avoid Potential Harmful and Stressful Situation
This prevention tip has a lot to know with the owner knowing their dog. They should be aware of how their dog interacts with other dogs and humans. If their behavior is not friendly or not social, it may be best to avoid situations in which the dog will become stressed easily, as those situations might cause the dog to react with biting. This may mean skipping the dog park or walking on the other side of the street when you are walking toward another person.
4. Always Ask to Pet a Dog You Do Not Know
You should always be cautious when attempting to pet a new dog. Asking the owner is the best way to know if it is safe to pet their dog. If the owner says yes, then generally the best place to pet the dog is going to be on the back so you don’t startle them by petting them on the head. If the owner says no then it is smart to leave the dog alone and keep walking. It is not the owner being rude or disrespectful, they are just trying to prevent their dog from biting you.
5. Leave the Dog Alone
If you are walking down the street and see a sleeping dog in your path, do not wake it. A startled dog is going to be scared and may react automatically by attempting to bite. So the best way to prevent this is by leaving the dog where it is and either walking around at a decent distance or crossing over to the other side of the street.
6. Consider the Consequences
Being bitten by a dog is a serious situation and may cause you and others great pain. If the bite is bad enough then you may have to go into the doctor to check the bite out. You also have the right to hire a dog bite lawyer who could help you navigate the legislative waters so you can possibly make a legal stand against the dog owner. Going this route could be costly to the owner of the dog, but is always an option when your safety and the safety of others is involved.
Knowing these prevention tips will help you greatly when trying to avoid getting bit by a dog. If you have already been bitten, just know that you have rights available to you if you feel the need to legally address the dog owner.
About Jammie Morey
Speak Your Mind