Dog bites are a serious issue that can cause significant injury and distress. According to the Humane Society of Canada, a Canadian experiences a dog bite every 60 seconds. The Humane Society of the United States reports more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dog each year. The good news is that most dog bites are preventable with a few common-sense approaches. Educate yourself and your family on what to do and watch for to prevent a dog bite.
Here are 3 top tips to PREVENT dog bites from happening in the first place.
TIP #1 – RESPECT A DOG’S PERSONAL SPACE
Recognize that dogs, like people, have varying degrees of tolerance for invasion of their personal space. Never approach a dog that you don’t know. Even when approaching a dog you know, respect the dog’s space.
Follow the spatial tolerance guidelines shown in the diagram on the right. Maintain a polite social distance (4 to 12 feet/1 to 4 meters) until the dog indicates it is ready for more. Preventing dog bites starts with respecting a dog’s personal space.
Dogs have different comfort levels. Some dogs may be friendly and open to interactions, while others may be more reserved or fearful. It’s important to observe the dog’s body language. Signs that a dog is uncomfortable include a stiff body, pulled-back ears, yawning, or showing the whites of their eyes. If you see any of these signs, give the dog space. Preventing dog bites involves recognizing these signs early.
Also, abide by these easy Do’s and Don’t safety precautions:
DO:
-
- Pause to demonstrate to the dog that you are not a threat.
- Pat your leg to invite the dog to approach. Allow it to come to you first.
- Pet the dog’s shoulder or side, when it is calm and indicates it wants to be touched by leaning or rubbing against you or sitting/standing quietly near you.
DON’T:
-
- Reach your hand or fist toward a dog.
- Reach over the top of the dog’s head to pet it.
- Make direct eye contact or speak in a high-pitched baby voice when meeting a dog for the first time.
These actions may be perceived as threats by the dog, thus causing them to bite in self-defence.
TIP #2 – RECOGNIZE – GOOD DOGS GIVE WARNINGS
Dogs usually give warnings before they bite. If at any time, a dog growls at you, it is the dog’s way of saying, “Leave me alone!” It’s crucial to heed these warnings to prevent the escalation of their behaviour from a growl to a bite. Recognizing these warnings is vital in preventing dog bites.
DO:
-
- Heed the warning and calmly back out of the dog’s personal space, to a distance of at least one meter (4 feet) away.
- Remain calm until the dog trusts you are not a threat.
- If it is guarding you, a toy, or a food bowl, hire a professional trainer to help you address the issue without compromising your relationship with your dog.
DON’T:
-
- Yell, approach, hit, or attempt to grab the dog.
- Scream in panic.
- Grab the item that is the reason for the dog’s growling.
Understanding a dog’s body language is essential for preventing dog bites. Dogs communicate through their body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Growling signals that the dog is uncomfortable and wants you to back off. Ignoring these signals can lead to more aggressive behaviour, including a bite or full on attack.
TIP #3 – BE A GIVER, NOT A TAKER
Building trust with your dog is key to preventing bites. Dogs that trust their owners are less likely to bite. Here are some ways to create and maintain trust with any dog:
DO:
-
- Feed each meal from your hand until you earn your dog’s trust. This can be a crucial step in preventing dog bites.
- Play the ‘Share Game’ by offering a treat or a more favoured toy in exchange for whatever is in your dog’s mouth.
- Provide a predictable daily routine including work (walking is working), undisturbed rest, and play to fulfill your dog’s physical and mental needs. Preventing dog bites includes ensuring your dog is mentally and physically satisfied.
DON’T:
-
- Put your hand or your face in your dog’s food bowl, particularly while they’re eating.
- Lie to your dog by offering a treat or toy and quickly pulling it away.
- Leave your dog alone and unsupervised in your yard to create a territorial mindset and risk a bite to anyone who enters their territory. Supervision is key in preventing dog bites.
By being consistent and predictable in your interactions with your dog, you can build a strong bond of trust. Dogs are creatures of habit and feel more secure when they know what to expect. Regular, positive interactions help reinforce this trust and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behaviour, contributing to preventing dog bites.
For more detailed tips and guidance on preventing dog bites, click here to watch my interview with Bakari Savage of CP24 about dog bite prevention.
Related: Master Tips To Avoid Dog Bites – Live on Television with Karen Laws
Preventing dog bites is a shared responsibility.
By respecting a dog’s personal space, recognizing warning signs, and building trust through positive interactions, you can significantly reduce the risk of bites from a dog. Remember, dogs are individuals with their own personalities and boundaries. Understanding and respecting these boundaries is key to maintaining a safe and harmonious relationship with our canine friends.
Need Dog Training Help?
Please fill out my assessment form. Whether it’s online or face-to-face, let’s get your dog’s behaviour sorted.
Are you a Dog Trainer Looking to Grow Your Dog Training Business?
Book a free call with me. We’ll talk strategy, not magic, to boost your dog training business.