Preventing Dog Bites
by Christy Caballero

Whether you’ve lived through it, had bad dreams about it, or only seen it in the movies, a significant dog bite is pretty damn scary.

What is “significant”? Usually something that happens to you instead of to somebody else. Typically that definition bears out – except for when something “significant” happens to a child – your child.

Hence the topic of preventing dog bites, since many of the 4.7 million victims per year are children.

Before I go any further with this column, it’s only fair to let you know that I don’t always blame the dog, and I don’t always blame the person; there’s plenty of blame to go around – to both, depending on circumstances. Sometimes, the dog who bites doesn’t have a defense in the world. Other times, the whole scenario could’ve been avoided by some human forethought. That part of the equation goes farther still, and should include teaching children how to be safe around dogs, especially since all dogs aren’t Lassie.

It’s great that most dogs protect their human family -- if you’re part of that family. But if your career puts you on the opposite end of that equation - a postal carrier or meter reader, for example - you probably have a different spin on it. When your work takes you into a canine's home turf, it pays to be savvy. Understanding a dog's body language and behavior can help keep things safe and sane between you and the average Fido.

Why do dogs get aggressive? Some are old and irritable; sick or in pain; feeling threatened or afraid; some are protecting puppies, food, toys, territory or people. Some lash out when startled; when their "chase response" has been triggered; when they encounter a stranger; or when they have been trained to attack or be aggressive. Sometimes a chemical imbalance or neurological disorder can cause biting for no apparent reason (my Rottweiler, Amanda, once had what the vet called a “brain seizure” where she seemed to forget who I was and became, well, very scary).

The first line of defense against dog biting begins during puppyhood. The ABC’s of obedience teaches pups that the owner is the "leader of the pack." A dog that concludes it’s the boss will keep trying to assert its own dominance through aggression.

Be alert, and assume any dog can bite. Key in on a dog's body language. Both sides of the canine coin - fierce or fearful - may bite. Here are some “red flags”:

FIERCE DOG:

1. Ears up and tilted forward.
2. Hackles (hair) raised.
3. Tail up and wagging stiffly.
4. Eyes staring directly ahead.
5. Teeth showing, with mouth corners pulling up.

FEARFUL DOG:

1. Ears pulled back, perhaps flattened.
2. Body crouched, maybe trembling.
3. Tail tucked between legs.
4. Eyes looking down, and/or avoiding contact.
5. Submissive smile, mouth corners pulling straight back.
6. Hackles may be raised.

If you step around a corner and come face to face with a startled dog, you don’t exactly have time to gauge it's mood. SO… be extra careful going around corners, and be ready to distract Fido – it could be something as simple as throwing a dog biscuit away from you.

Never startle a dog.  Be reassuring, and talk like a grown-up, matter-of-factly.  Baby-talk has a submissive tone you don’t want. And DON'T pet a dog on the head. It may seem natural, but to a dog, it’s a dominating, hence threatening, gesture. Dogs are less threatened by a firm pat on the chest.

Trainer Megan Trow Massena advises carrying a protective device at all times, yet believes in using the "least invasive" method possible.  For example, she suggests beginning with a commanding voice - firmly say “No, down or sit!” If these don't work and you suspect a trained attack dog, try it in German (often used in attack dog training) 'Nein ('nine') platz (rhymes with klutz) or aus (rhymes with mouse).

A squirt in the face with water might convince it to back off. As a last resort, the tip of the dog's nose is very sensitive, and a solid smack there can be convincing.

Use of the mace-like spray "Halt" can backfire; a dog may remember it and be more prone to attack again (either the same person, or another unsuspecting one) in the future. If you use it, spray it back and forth in front of you to set up a 'boundary' instead of directly into the dog's face.

DEFINITE DON'TS

1. Don't believe an owner's claim that their dog won't bite.
2. Don't wave sticks or throw rocks at a dog that is just watching you.
3. Don't turn your back to a threatening dog - face it as you back out of its territory.
4. Don't panic, run (which may trigger the dog's chase response) or scream.
5. Don't try to stare down a dominant dog; you may be what provokes an attack.

IF A DOG BITES YOUR ARM OR HAND... If a dog bites your arm or hand, don't try to pull out of its grip - it then may clamp down harder. Instead, give a sudden firm push INTO the dog's mouth. The gag reflex will cause it to let loose.

LEG BITES... Smack a blunt object into the tip of the dog's nose.

KNOW YOUR EMPLOYER'S POLICY… Discuss emergency tactics with supervisors;

some defensive moves may not be seen as "good customer relations."

 This page and its contents are copyright © 1997-2012. 
The Garden State Bearded Collie Clan.

This site last updated on Monday, April 30, 2012