Give A Dog A Fright And Get A Bite

It's a time of year we all look forward too, but
beware, as springtime is a seasonal hotspot for
dog bite injuries according to the NHS and with
one in six hospital admissions involving
children aged under 10 it is important to ensure
our families are all aware of the best practice
when around dogs.

The media often confronts us with images of
large snarling dogs but it is important to
understand that any dog; big or small can be
unpredictable and should be treated with
respectful handling at all times. Bites are more
often than not caused by a dog known to the
victim so take care with all dogs and not just
ones we do not know.

First and foremost dogs are a territorial
animal. Although our actions maybe passive, a
dog will view an invasion of its territory as
one of conflict and react accordingly as
protection.

Here are my TOP 10 Tips to avoid a dog bite:

1) Do not invade dogs space when it is
sleeping, eating playing with a toy or nursing
its pups. Always allow a dog to approach and
sniff you before giving affection.

2) Never put an outstretched hand over a dogs
face or head as dog's view this is as a dominant
gesture and may react in a defensive manner.

3) Running away from a dog and screaming in
fright will encourage a dog's natural chase
instinct. Remain still if scared and do not make
eye contact. The dog will become bored and leave
you alone if no reaction is given.

4) Encourage puppies to play with teething toys
to avoid exploratory nips as they discover their
environment. Avoid approaching sick or senior
dogs with pain. Pain levels or loss of senses
can increase their protective nature which may
mean a usually passive dog can become forceful.
Offer a kinder and slow moving touch to sick or
elderly dogs.

5) Always supervise young children with dogs,
no matter how well you believe you trust its
demeanour. Younger children are naturally
inquisitive and can inadvertently provoke a dog
to defend itself.

6) Ensure you socialise your dog with as many
different people from a young age to strengthen
its understanding of interactions avoiding
nervous reactions.

7) Do not play confrontational games with a dog
i.e. tug of war or wrestling. Dogs are unable to
differentiate between playing games and
aggressive actions.

8) Avoid shouting, screaming and running around
dogs. Over enthusiasm can sometimes result in a
friendly nip.

9) Assess and understand a dog's body language.
Avoid dogs whose hackles on back of neck are
raised, dogs that are staring, dogs whose ears
are earthier pinned forward or backwards and any
dog showing its teeth.

In the event that you are bitten by a dog, most
cases can be treated with simple first aid. Clean
the wound under warm water and allow it to bleed.
General painkillers will help with any pain or
inflammation. Once your wound is cleaned, visit
your doctor. Bites, no matter how minor have the
potential to become infected. If a bite is more
severe seek hospital treatment to cleanse and
remove and damaged tissue.

Dogs make wonderful pets but we must never
forget that they have been domesticated from
wild animals and we must learn to treat them
with the respect we expect them to show us.

----------------------------------------------------
Richard Johnson - specialising in non harsh,
affordable solutions for problem dog behaviour
in Manchester. http://www.dogtech.co.uk

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