RSS

Dog Safety Advice for all. (not just kids) Most dog bites are preventable.

I have put this page together as a one stop, dog safety resource.

There are links and videos, to a lot of good information on dog safety, dog body language and do and don’ts ( how to keep dogs and people safe), on this page. You will find the links in different coloured text, so please click on them, if you want to learn more and help to turn the tide on the rising number of dog bites/dog attacks.

77% of dog bites are caused by the family dog or a friends dog. While dogs can and do make great companions and are a lot of fun, people often, feel too secure and comfortable when in the company of them and don’t see, or are oblivious to the potential dangers.

Dogs and Humans are different species and both speak different languages and its up to us, as humans, to learn what they are trying to tell us. Like all animals, dogs do speak to us, if we as humans, choose, to watch, listen and learn.

They need to be treated with respect and understanding and sometimes human expectations are too high, they don’t think like we do, they are, after all, a different species.

Please watch the The Family Dog, stop the 77 video below. There are more great videos on their site, Stop the 77 – The Family Dog, great for all the family and friends to watch.

Parents, educators & dog owners have a responsibility to learn and then teach, children adults, non dog owners, & dog owners, how to act and behave when in the company of any dog, including their own.

Both kids and adults need to know about basic dog safety and awareness, because for the most part, children under the age of 12yrs are the one’s who get bitten. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of adults who get chomped on, as well.

Even non dog owners, need to know how to act and behave when in the company of dogs. as they may not have a dog but the chances are, they know someone who does.

Below is a very good graphic from family paws, on the 5 types of supervision, it is too easy to get caught up in doing something else and not being aware of what is going on around you, such as talking or texting on the phone or on the computer, chatting or having coffee with friends, the list is endless.

Again, dogs do talk to us, if we as humans choose to watch, listen & learn. They need us to watch out for them.

Its all about your dog, its not about you and what you think, your dog needs or should be able to handle.

The same can be said about introducing your dog to people: If you are unsure remove your dog from the situation, it only takes a second for something bad to happen.

Greeting people may make your dog scared or uncomfortable.

TV and Movies often portray “The good family dog” but don’t be fooled, these dogs are well trained, and they have trainers on the sets with them. If you want a well-trained and adjusted dog, you have to put the time and effort in. They need guidance, direction and boundaries, as do children.

Even people who have been around dogs all their life’s should Never assume that a strange dog is going to be friendly towards them, remember you may think you know dogs but that strange dog doesn’t know you. It may see you as an intruder or a threat.

There are many things that can cause a dog to bite you, so please take the time to read:

5 easy ways to get bitten by a dog, Dog Owners its ok to say NO! & Lets get real, is the dog really to blame What do you think, is it dangerous for young kids, to walk their dogs alone?

Dog Safety Advice for All (not just kids)

Never leave a child alone with a dog, because a child’s actions may inadvertently trigger an unwanted response, and the child may get bitten.

Never tease a dog. (E.g.: shouting & yelling, barking, throwing things, pulling faces & ears etc). These actions can cause a dog to attack because it may feel threatened or frightened If the dog is confined in a yard or tied up it will not forget the teasing, and if the opportunity presents itself, it will get its own back.

Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog. If the owner is not around leave the dog alone. If it is a stray dog, stay well away.

Never run away from a dog and Never run away screaming and shouting, because a dogs natural instinct it to chase and catch its prey.

Never enter a yard with a dog in it; always ask permission from the owner.

Never stare into the eyes of a dog, the dog may see it as a threat or a challenge to fight.

Always approach dogs calmly, carefully and slowly. Let the dog see and sniff you that’s how they get to know you and never approach a dog from behind.

Dogs like to play rough, they don’t have hands like you or I, and they jump up and use their mouths to grab hold and hang on. So do not jump, wave your arms around or scream when playing around dogs, these actions excite and stimulate the dogs chase response.

Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

If you are approached by a strange dog stand very still and remain calm. Don’t scream and shout, stand sideways and don’t stare, that tells the dog, via body language, that you are non confrontational, then slowly move away, by taking small steps, if you can.

Never approach a strange dog. (You will never know what it will do).

Never put your hand through a fence or a window of a parked car to pat a dog, because it will bite you.

Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for pups.

Never try to separate dogs that are fighting. (unless you know what you are doing)

If you are knocked over by a dog, Always protect your face, arms & neck and roll up into a ball and remain very still.

If you get bitten tell an adult.

Never put your face close to a dog.

Never hug your dog or any dog around the neck because you may trigger the dogs bite reflex and the dog will bite you.

Children should not take their dog out for a walk unless accompanied by an adult, because if a situation arises e.g.: encounter with a stray dog, children don’t have the strength or presence of mind, to act quickly enough.

Be careful when handling a dog who is in pain or injured, it may bite you. Always, take precautions.

Always, try to be relaxed and calm around dogs, erratic movements could startle a dog or they may think you are teasing them.

Never take your dog on someone else’s property without finding out first, if it is OK to do so.

Fast-moving outdoor athletes should keep a safe distance between them and dog walkers. (E.g.: joggers, Cyclists etc). Again, these actions trigger the dog’s natural chase response.

Never run or walk up behind a dog, (even one you know) and try to pat it. Always, let a dog know you are there, let it see and sniff you.

Below is another very good info graphic from Doggone safe, although it says holiday tips, these tips can keep everyone safe year round.