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Dog Bite Resource Center

Dog Bite Prevention Tips

It is important to remember that no dog can be deemed as "safe". This includes your family dog or the dog of friend or family member. Statistics show that a majority of dog bite victims were harmed by a family or friend's pet. Any time you or a loved one are in a situation with a dog, it is critical that you practice safety.

Remember: All dogs can bite, no matter what size or breed.

The following is a list of helpful tips to help in preventing dog bites:

• Never approach an unfamiliar dog - even if it seems harmless and especially if it is sleeping.
• Never run and yell or scream from a dog.
• Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and remain motionless.
• Never let children play with a dog unsupervised.
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs that display unusual behavior, to the appropriate organization (Animal Control, Humane Society, etc.).
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog, since they perceive this as challenging.
• Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Never pet a dog without letting it see and smell you first. A smart way to do this is to make a fist and hold it in front of the dog's snout. Let them make the first move.
• When petting a dog, always start below the chin. Petting the top of the head is seen as a dominating gesture, which may cause dogs to get aggravated.
• Never try to intervene when a dog fight occurs. Use a hose to spray the dogs, or throw a blanket over them to disorient them.
• Never tease a dog or play rough.
• Be mindful around older dogs; they may be blind, hearing impaired or sensitive to touch.
• Never run past a dog. Joggers and bicyclers may trigger the dog's instinct to chase and attack.
• Avoid dogs that are chained, left in cars or cornered. They may feel vulnerable, causing them to attack out of fear.
• If bitten, immediately seek medical attention and file a report with authorities.

As a dog owner, you are responsible for your dog's behavior. The following is a list of safety tips to help eliminate the chances that your dog will bite others:

• Always keep your dog up to date on vaccinations to prevent any diseases.
• Always keep your dog on a leash when outside of your yard.
• Keep your yard safe and fenced. Remember that electronic fences work only on the dog, not on the people that may try to approach it.
• Socialize your dog from the moment you bring it home. Un-socialized dogs may be timid and shy, causing them to bite out of fear.
• Train your dog the basics: sit, stay, down, heel and come. If your dog ever gets out of reach, you want to remain in control of the situation.
• Train you dog to drop any toys on command. This prevents having to reach into or near a dog's mouth to retrieve the toy.
• Be cautious when introducing your dog into any new situations. Be attentive and ready to respond if your dog begins to feel uneasy or displays any unusual behavior.
• Teach your dog non-aggressive games, such as "fetch". "Tug-of-war" may teach a dog aggression.

Usually dogs will not immediately attack. There are warning signs you should recognize when a dog becomes aggravated:

• Growling, snarling or aggressive barking.
• Shyness or fear - Signs of these are: crouching, the dog holds it's head low, the dog has it's tail between it's legs. Fearful dogs are just as dangerous as aggressive ones.
• Avoid dogs that have: raised fur, erect ears, high tails or stiff bodies. This a sign to stay away.
• Stay away from any unnaturally still or unresponsive dogs. Fighting breeds have been bred for their ability to hide their aggressiveness.
• A dog in pain will bite ANYONE - this includes it's owner.

If you have been injured by a dog bite or dog attack, please contact an expert dog bite attorney at Bisnar & Chase, LLP. We offer free consultations to answer your questions and determine if you have a case. If you have been injured, you deserve monetary compensation for your injuries.

HOLDING WRONGDOERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DAMAGES THEY CAUSE SINCE 1978

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BISNAR | CHASE 2006-2010 - Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. BISNAR | CHASE has received this award for three consecutive years.

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