How to Avoid a Dog Bite

Four million people are bitten by dogs every year, ranging from nips to full-fledged attacks. How can you and your family avoid being bitten while still enjoying time with man's best friend?

First, do not approach strange dogs if the owner is not present. Even then, ask the owner for permission and let the dog sniff your hand first. Definitely do not pet dogs that are tied, inside a fence or in cars as the dog may go into protect mode and try to attack you. A dog that is alone with children may bite to protect the kids.

Never run from a dog. Running triggers a dog's instinct to chase, and chances are, the dog is faster than you. Your best choice is to freeze and remain silent until the dog retreats.

Dogs that are sleeping or eating should not be bothered. They may bite from being startled, or to protect their bed or food. Watch how you play with your own dog. Aggressive games of tugging or chasing games may make the dog more apt to bite.

Teach your children the above tips and how to handle animals properly. Since kids are often noisy and make quick movements, an animal that is perfectly behaved with adults may bite when confronted with children.

If dogs are fighting, do not try to pull one of the dogs away. The animal may be blinded by rage and attack you instead. Use a hose or some other form of distraction to stop the fight.

Do not tease your dog. You may find it funny to dangle a treat in front of your dog's nose and then pull it back when the dog tries to get it. Your dog may not find this activity amusing and reward you with a bite.

Supervise small children around any dog, even the family dog. No matter how tame or trained your pet is, your kids could inadvertently do something to upset the dog and get bitten. Spay or neuter your pets, especially when they will live with children. Intact animals are more prone to roam and often less predictable in behavior.

Be sure to socialize your dog with other people and pets, especially as a puppy when behaviors are still being rapidly learned. Your dog will be less likely to bite out of nervousness if he or she has been exposed to a wide variety of people and places.

Train your dog basic commands including 'no. ' Your dog must learn to respond to your commands despite the circumstances like another dog trotting under their nose or worse, when they are attacking another animal. Proper training will go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of dog bites.

By following the above tips, you will have done your best to avoid you or a family member becoming one of the four million people who are bitten yearly by dogs.