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How To Prevent A Dog Bite
Article:
Most humans are not aware that some of their body postures when
greeting an unfamiliar dog are perceived as a threat in the dog
world.
For example: typical human behavior when greeting a dog is to
say over and over again, "it's ok, it's ok," as they extend
their arm out to reach over the dog's head to give them a pet.
This is a threatening posture in the dog world. Always let the
dog approach you in their own time, especially if it does not
want to meet you. When they are comfortable with you and are
allowing you to touch them, then, rather than reaching to pet
their head go for under their chin, and pet their chest or the
shoulders. If a dog is running at you and you think it might be
in attack mode, then stand sideways. If you pay attention next
time you see two unfamiliar dogs approach each other, you'll
notice they keep their body in a neutral position by standing
side by side.
Does a wagging tail mean "hey, I am friendly," or can it also
mean "Hey, come over here - I want bite you"? Yes, both. A dog
can be wagging its tail to greet you or wagging its tail because
it is weary of your presence. A dog with its tail way up in the
air, stiff and moving rapidly back and forth, could be feeling a
little dominant or feeling the need to defend itself. If you get
mixed messages from a dog, to be on the safe side, do not
approach it.
Dogs that are tethered or chained are more likely to be
aggressive and are prone to more behavioral problems. The reason
for this is usually lack of socialization with humans and other
dogs. There is a frustration factor here that has been building
up for some time. These dogs have a chase instinct that is
constantly challenged by the boundaries of their
restraint. The
largest percentage of serious bites come from dogs that have
broken free from a restraint, and children are usually their
victims. I suggest never approaching a dog on a chain or one
that is tied up unless you know the dog well.
There are more dog bites reported from family pets than from
unfamiliar dogs. The reason more dogs are likely to bite a
family member is that the family member more than likely has
pulled their tail, stepped on their foot, or taken a bone or toy
away and then ignored the warning growl. Children are the main
culprits of this behavior. They sometimes unknowingly provoke a
dog bite. Children are at eye level with dogs, and so can be
perceived as posturing back at them, which the dog sees as a
challenge or a threat. Some kids constantly jerk things away
from dogs, and this causes the dog to want to have possession
over something. This behavior is called resource guarding, and
dogs have many warning signals when they are guarding their
resource. You must be aware of what the signals are and take
warning from them to avoid a dog bite.
Children should always be supervised when playing with a dog and
need to be taught to be respectful of them and their territory.
Just like we teach children how to greet another human we also
need to teach them how to greet an unfamiliar dog.
About the author:
Susie Aga
Atlanta Dog Trainer
Susie is the featured Pet Expert for Turner Broadcasting and
hosts The Animal Hour radio show on AM1650. She is a
member in good standing with the Association of Pet Dog
Trainers. She has four rescue dogs and donates much of her time
and services to rescue organizations.
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