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| Any dog can bite when provoked |
There is a lot of misinformation regarding dog bites and it’s
important to remember some simple facts when it comes to dogs. 99% of dogs are not born aggressive. It
is up to their owners to ensure their safety as well as the safety of those
around them. That is why the American Veterinary Medical Association has teamed
up with a coalition including the United States Postal Service, State Farm, and
the Insurance Information Institute to promote awareness about dog bites.
“Dogs may bite for a number of reasons — they may be in pain
or afraid, they may be sick or simply protecting something they love,” says
Doctor Jose Arce from the AVMA. “It is vital for you to learn a dog’s body
language to know when they want to interact and when they need to be given
their own space. Everyone, even our dogs, deserves their own space when they
need it. The most important thing to keep in mind is that dog bites are
preventable.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind before interacting with a
dog:
Always Ask Before Petting
It’s your responsibly to practice safe behavior around all
dogs. Ask before petting! When the owner
is with their dog, always ask the owner for permission to pet their pup. Even
if it’s a dog you know, asking first can help prevent sudden movements that may
startle the dog.
Yes…Ask The Dog, Too!
While many dogs don’t speak English — they will tell you
everything you need to know with their body language. Make sure you pay
attention to these visual cues before approaching the pooch.
Avoid Scaring Your
Dog
Be aware of noises or sudden movements that may scare your
dog. If your child has a noisy toy, you never know if it could scare your pet,
so suggest the child plays with it in another room.
Play Nice with the
Pooch
Play non-aggressive games such as fetch. Games such as
tug-of-war could encourage inappropriate behavior. Never tease dogs. Don’t take their toys, food
or treats, and never pretend to hit or kick them. This could create distrust in
the dog, and make him or her more aggressive.
For families with both
children and dogs, the AVMA has released three new videos to educate children
on how to prevent dog bites, specifically on noises, teasing, and sleeping. For
more information, visit AVMA.org.