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Dog Bite Prevention

Any size, color, breed or age of dog can bite if provoked. Children should receive proper education about dogs and the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend responsible dog ownership and regulatory measures as ways to prevent dog bites.

By Ladonna Seely, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing


Nine-year-old Mikayla skipped past the Invisible Fence sign to retrieve the FrisbeeTM in her neighbor's yard. Laughing and calling to her friend, she didn't notice the 25-pound dog scampering toward her. When Benji lunged at the Frisbee but caught Mikayla's hand instead, the girl screamed and began running down the driveway. Benji followed her as fast and as far as he could, nipping desperately at the disc, hoping to join the fun.
In 2006, the number of dogs owned in the U.S. equaled the number of dependent children nationwide (73 million). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly five million people, more children than adults, are bitten by a dog every year in the United States. About 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. Most injuries occur on the arm/hand, leg/foot and head/neck, in descending order.

Any size, color, breed or age of dog can bite if provoked. In fact, a neighbor's dog causes half of all dog bites inflicted on children, while the family pet inflicts 30 percent. The stories as to why dogs bite children are often the same: the kids were playing in the backyard, the dog was guarding puppies, the child was taking some food from the dog dish.

Because dog bites occur overwhelmingly to children, dog bite prevention education is geared toward primary school students. Programs encourage children to be aware of their surroundings, to approach dogs wisely and to take certain steps if they see a stray dog. By knowing where the dogs in their neighborhoods live, learning the correct way to pet them, and how to identify a stray dog, children can avoid being bitten. Parents need to remind children not to disturb a family pet when it is eating or caring for puppies. Youngsters should also be taught to respect and always be kind to animals, and to never pull on an animal's ears or tail.

In addition to properly educating children, the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association recommend responsible dog ownership and regulatory measures as ways to prevent dog bites. Selecting the right family pet, training, socializing, exercising, vaccinating and neutering our canine companions are a must. Regulatory measures such as licensing, leash laws and registration vary by state, county and municipality, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the local ordinances.

Consistently ranked as one of the most pet-friendly metropolitan regions in the country, the Twin Cities boasts several ways to meet regulatory criteria and ensure your dog is a healthy, happy and trusted member of the family. There are numerous training facilities that provide obedience and athletic activities like agility and flyball. More than 20 off-leash dog parks in the seven-county metro area provide space where both you and your pup can socialize and exercise. There are even student education programs available through local humane societies and dog rescue organizations like A Rotta Love Plus that offer free dog bite prevention seminars.

By knowing how to BARK (Be Aware, Responsible and Kind), Mikayla would have been aware that her neighbors had a dog and that she shouldn't have gone into their yard without getting permission. She would have also known not to make loud noises and flail the Frisbee in front of Benji's face. Most important, Mikayla would have known to stand very still and not try to outrun the dog.

Dog Bite Prevention Tips:

• Always ask permission before petting a dog.

• Remember, not every dog that wags its tail is friendly.

• When meeting a new dog, let it come to you first.

• Stay away from strange or stray dogs.

• If approached by a dog you don't know, stand very still. Do not scream or try to run away.

• If a dog knocks you down to the ground, curl up like a rock.

• Never reach through a fence or car window to pet a dog.

• Never tease or scare a dog.

• Always use a leash when walking your dog.

• Never, ever leave a child unattended with a dog.

http://www.startribune.com/10200/story/1437530.html

[airwalk]

Good advise, I wish more parents would educate their children.

[Alan]

Dont assume that because the dog knows you, it will accept you in the yard if the master isnt around.