MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs
bite more than 4.7 million people every year in the United States.
The
blame could be the dog's, the owner's, or the victim's. But the one who
invariably pays, is the owner. The owner of the dog becomes responsible
for paying for the medical bills, time lost from work as well as pain
and suffering. The one who suffers most, is the dog that is abandoned in
a shelter or disposed of.
Dog owners should assume more than
their share of the responsibility for protecting people and other
animals from their dogs, and also assume the responsibility to protect
their dogs from people. Kids will run up to a dog screaming in delight
and frighten the dog. A dog in his excitement to greet someone may jump
up and scratch him or her. A passer-by may approach a dog aggressively
or provoke him. Neighborhood kids may let the dogs out just to have some
fun.
There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite someone. But you can significantly reduce the risk:
o
Spay or neuter your dog. This important and routine procedure will
reduce your dog's desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making safe
confinement an easier task. Spayed or neutered dogs are much less likely
to bite.
o Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many
different types of people and situations so that he or she is not
nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.
o Train
your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way
to socialize him and to learn proper training techniques. Training your
dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the
training techniques and participate in your dog's education. Never send
your dog away to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave
in your home. Note that training classes are a great investment even for
experienced dog caregivers.
o Be alert with your dog around
children. Rambunctious play may startle your dog, and he may react by
snapping or biting. Neighborhood children may be attracted to your dog,
so make sure you have a child-proof lock on your gate and there is no
way for little hands to get through the fence.
o Teach your dog
appropriate behavior. Never teach your dog to chase after or attack
others, even in fun. Your dog can't always understand the difference
between play and real-life situations. Set appropriate limits for your
dog's behavior.
Don't wait for an accident.
The first time
he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, seek professional help
from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog
trainer. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to
dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek
professional help.
o 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 your family. Dogs who spend a great
deal of time alone in the backyard or tied on a chain often become
dangerous. Dogs who are well socialized and supervised are much less
likely to bite.
o Stay 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 or service personnel, keep him in another room. Work with
professionals to help your dog become accustomed to these and other
situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid
stressful settings.
I thought you said your dog doesn't bite? "That's not my dog" ... says Peter Sellers.
Seriously, if your dog bites someone, act responsibly; take these steps to mitigate the harm:
o Confine your dog immediately and check on the victim's condition. If necessary, seek medical help.
o Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dog's last rabies vaccination.
o
You should cooperate fully with the animal control official responsible
for acquiring information about your dog. If your dog must be
quarantined for any length of time, ask whether he may be confined
within your home or at your veterinarian's hospital. Strictly follow
quarantine requirements for your dog.
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