Preventing Dog Bites
ANY dog can bite. Whether you’re a pet owner or petsitter, be responsible and educate yourself on how to prevent dog bites. Below, we’ve got some tips for how to reduce your risk of being bitten by a dog (petsitters, you’re “new” to many dogs, so pay attention to that part especially) and how to prevent a dog in your care from biting someone else.
Preventing the dog from biting you
- Let the dog see and sniff you before you pet him.
- Stay away from dogs chained up, in cars or otherwise confined, since they may feel especially threatened and vulnerable.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the dog, since it’s a form of dominance and aggression.
- Don’t disturb a dog that is eating, chewing, drinking or sleeping.
- Be especially careful around older dogs that might have hearing and vision impairments, or additional pains that make them sensitive to touch.
Preventing the dog from biting others
- When walking the dog, keep him on a leash.
- Be cautious and alert when introducing the dog to new situations.
- Always be calm and talk to the dog in a gentle or happy voice (avoid yelling and increasing his tension).
- Play non-aggressive games — like fetch — with the dog.
- Never leave small children unsupervised with the dog.
- Learn the warning signs that a dog may bite. (Below)
Warning signs that a dog may bite
- Growling, snarling, aggressive barking
- Ears up, hair raised, body stiff, tail standing straight
- Fearful, crouched position with the tail between the legs
- Unnatural stillness
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July 17th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Excellent advise! Two thumbs up. Please be advised that there is also a play growl and exchange that a dog will display with his human, that mimiks some very scary aggression and a bite. Ive had two Beagles that were very difficult to assertain play or real aggression. It always is centered around a toy, piece of clothing, or rawhide chew. Something the dog can covet. This may take some time to fully understand, so please do not jump to any conclusions, and put a dog down…he may very well be a noisy growler durring what he thinks is playtime. It may sound very frightening to be sure, but please watch for signs of play like; does he growl or act like he is snapping for a toy, but as soon as he has it, starts to wander back to you, so you will again engage in play or a game of tug o war. Perhaps taking the toy as he runs away from you. Hoping you will chace or follow. This is a tough one, please dont jump to conclusions as easy as that is to do. Sometimes takes weeks to fully understand thats it is only a noisy game of play agression.
Dolores Jones
Lone Star Beagle Rescue
December 18th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Also I’ve tried putting a pillow between two growling dogs, (about to get into a fight with each other), breaks the eye contact and they just walk away.
December 26th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Keep an extra sharp eye on the one that doesn’t make any noise. Even if you aren’t being aggressive to it or making any eye contact, this dog will definitely SNEAK UP BEHIND YOU
December 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
…and can leave a very nasty bite-which could easily end up in the emergency room. PLEASE, use extraordinary care around animals that you do not know. Also, make sure you are up to date on YOUR shots, such as tetanus. If any animal bites break the skin’s surface, you need to be seen by a doctor.
(Sorry this two entries-it should have been one. I must have hit a wrong key on the keyboard).