Man’s best friend can become a vicious beast. Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people each year with over 60% of those bite victims being children. The remainder of dog bite victims are mostly made up of elderly people and home service workers such mail carriers and meter readers.

But both dog owners and possible dog bite victims can prevent many dog attacks with some common sense claim the experts.

Dog Owners

Carefully choose a dog for your environment and family. A veterinarian is a good source of information about various breeds of dogs and their temperaments.  There are also animal organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals  which have information both in print and Web form about various dog breeds and which breed is right for you and your family.

Keep your dog healthy. Have your pet vaccinated against preventable infectious diseases and rabies. Check your pet regularly for parasites too. How your dog feels can largely determine how he behaves – a sick dog can be a very vicious dog. Know your dog well. As well as watching your animal for illness, watch him for signs that he is feeling aggressive or uncomfortable in a situation.

Neuter your dog as it is a fact that neutered animals are less likely to bite.

Obey your community’s leash laws so when your pet is away from home he is under your control and less likely to bite.

Spend time with your dog as animals left alone as more apt to develop behavior problems such as aggression.

Start socializing your new puppy as soon as you get him so he feels comfortable around both other animals and people. Expose your animal to a variety of situations gradually under controlled conditions so as he gets older he will feel at ease in these situations, No matter how well socialized a dog is though, he should not be placed in situations where he is teased or threatened. Any dog will bite a child or adult who pulls the dog’s ears or tail.

And, train your dog as early as possible in the simple commands such as come, no, sit and stay. The training can be made into games to build a bond of obedience and trust between your dog and the humans who love him.

Speaking of playing games with your dog, do NOT play aggressive games such as tug of war or wrestling as this can teach your pet aggressive behavior you do not want him to know.

Dog and Children

Do NOT leave a baby or small child with a dog as a baby’s cries or a child’s yelling can upset any dog and cause the animal to attack the source of the noise.

Teach your child to respect all dogs including their own. Any dog will bite if hurt such as by the pulling of the animal’s ears or tail. Children need to learn as early as possible that dogs are not toys they can play with roughly.

Dealing with Strange Dogs

ALWAYS ask the owner of a dog if you can pet the animal. Just sticking out your hand to a strange dog will be interpreted by the dog as a threat which will be met with aggressive behavior such as a bite.

Do NOT run past a dog. Dogs have genetic programming that makes them love to chase and capture things. Running past a dog gets the dog’s attention and will cause the animal to go after you.

IF a dog approaches you to sniff you, stand still to let him. In most cases, the dog will go away once he sees you are not a threat.

And, NEVER disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, eating or sleeping. Mother dogs are genetically engineered to protect their young from any threat – even the dog’s owner. Sleeping dogs have a tendency – like humans – to be aggressive when suddenly awakened. And, many dogs are possessive about their food.

Threatening Dogs

If threatened by a dog, remain calm and follow these steps:

Avoid eye contact so you seem submissive to the dog – especially a male dog. Many times, a male dog will leave you alone after he has determined you are not a threat. Lack of eye contact – especially eyes focused on the ground – tells a dog you are not likely to attack him.

Do NOT turn and run. Instead, remain still until the dog leaves. If it looks like the dog is not leaving, back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

Do NOT scream. IF you say anything to a threatening dog, speak calmly and firmly.

IF you fall or the dog knocks you to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck – especially protecting your face.

If A Dog Bites You

If you or members of your family are bitten by your own dog, confine the dog immediately and call emergency medical personnel to administer any needed care for the bite victim.

Find out why the dog bit the victim so you can prevent the incident from happening again. Consult your veterinarian regarding the incident for ideas on preventing a reoccurrence and your dog from biting others generally.

If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, contact authorities and tell them whatever you can about the dog including who owns the animal if you know.

And, while waiting for emergency medical personnel, wash the wounds with soap and water to help prevent infection.

Conclusion

You or your loved ones do not have to be dog bite victims.

Dog owners can reduce the number of dog bites people suffer each year with some common sense.

People faced with an aggressive animal can also avoid injury by taking simple precautions.

A dog can be man's best friend just be careful !

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