Everyone knows a dog is man’s best friend, and this is generally true. But every dog has the capacity to bite, and children are most often the ones who get bitten. Everyone, particularly children, should learn some basics about dog behavior and safety around dogs.
Dogs Typically Bite:
- When they feel threatened
- When they are protecting their territory – food, toys, family, pups
- When they get excited, even in play
- When they don’t know you
- When their “chase response” is triggered
- When they have been bred and/or trained to be aggressive
- When they are in pain or irritated
Physical Signs a Dog Might Bite:
- The dog may stand stiff and sill, maybe with their tail up
- They dog may stare at you
- The dog may hold their tail stiff and up int he air, and wag it back and forth very fast
- The dog may growl, snarl, show teeth, and/or bark
What To Do If You’re Threatened By a Dog:
- Stand very still and try to be calm; don’t scream and run.
- Be aware of where the dog is; don’t turn your back on them, and don’t stare them in the eyes either.
- If the dog comes up to sniff you, don’t resist. In most cases the dog will go away upon deciding you aren’t a threat.
- If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
- Try to stay until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until they are out of sight.
If a dog does attack suddenly, “feed” them your jacket, purse, bike, anything that may distract them and give them something to bite besides you.
If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your arms and hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.
What To Do If You Get Bitten:
- Children should tell their parents immediately.
- All bites should be reported to the police or SCRAPS.
- Go to the hospital for treatment.
- Tell the police or a SCRAPS officer as much as you can about the dog – what they looked like, where you saw them, if you’ve seen the dog before, and so on. It’s important for them to try and find the dog as soon as possible.
Remember that most dog bites are preventable with proper awareness and training.
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, May 2017
