How to Prevent a Dog Bite

According to the United States Search and Rescue Task Force, nearly five million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Sadly, children are the most common recipients of dog bites. Listed below are ways you can minimize your risk of being bitten by a dog.

1. Do not approach a dog you do not know or a dog that is alone without his owner (e.g. a dog confined behind a fence).

2. Do not disturb a dog while the dog is eating, growling, barking, chewing on a toy, caring for puppies, or sleeping. "Let sleeping dogs lie" is a saying for a reason.

3. Ask permission from the dog's owner before you pet him.

4. Do not pet a dog without letting him sniff you first. Bend down to the dog's level and stick out your palm. If the dog wants you to pet him, you'll know. If not, leave the dog alone.

5. Do not turn your back to a dog you are unfamiliar with or run away as dogs have a natural chase instinct.

6. If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still with your hands to your sides. You do not want the dog to see you as a threat so do not make direct eye contact or speak to the dog. When teaching children this behavior, make it fun by telling them to act like a tree until the dog goes away.

7. If a dog does knock you to the ground, curl into a ball and cover your ears, face, head and neck with your hands. Remain still and quiet until the dog goes away.

8. If a dog does attack you, try to minimize your injuries by feeding the dog an object like your jacket or a stick to serve as a barrier.

9. Use pepper spray if the above tactics do not work.

10. If you are being mauled and feel your life is at stake, do whatever you can do save yourself (e.g. use a weapon). *Note: This method should only be used if absolutely necessary.

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