HELPING PREVENT DOG BITES - Author: Robbie 

In order to cut down on the incidence of Dog bites certain key elements come into play. A) First we need to assess the behaviour of the dog. An aggressive dog cannot be trusted and safety measures need to be in place. B) People need to be educated about dog behaviour and prevention strategies. Children especially, need to learn rules on how to be safe around dogs, both familiar and unfamiliar. Here are some precautionary measures you can take, to help prevent being bitten by a dog. 1 - Pet owners need to enroll their puppies in puppy classes that focus on bite prevention. Bite prevention exercises are by far the most effective way to prevent problems, especially when they include a quality socialization component. Prevention addresses fear, handling, guarding and other potentially serious problems. Effective classes are often modeled after the Sirius Puppy Program and are firmly based in positive reinforcement. The pet industry is unregulated so buyer beware. Many people are shocked to find out that the advice they may have received created aggression in their pet. 2 - Teach children to never interact with a dog unless they have the permission of a trusted adult. Most people are surprised when their dog bites. Ss a parent you may need to use your own judgment. Supervise actively. A dog may be friendly one minute, and aggressive the next. Jeckyl and Hyde type behaviour is common in dogs that guard resources. Watch for early warning signs. 3 -Teach children to stand quietly when around dogs. Children should move slowly and freeze if a dog is running. Never hug a dog and never pat a dog on the head. Some dogs may tolerate this, but many do not. 4 - Teach children to never take food, bones or toys away from a dog. Dogs, especially those who have not been in a prevention class, will guard their possessions. Children are usually bit on the face when they try to take something away. 5 - Avoid tying a dog out on a cable. Conservative estimates show that most (over 80%) of severe dog attacks happen between a dog that is intact and has been tied out. Instead, take dogs for walks, and integrate them into your home and family. With active supervision, prevention measures, industry regulation and owner education, it is possible to cut down on the risk of dog bites.

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