Paws for Prevention KEEPING CANINE ENCOUNTERS BITE-FREE
Most people love dogs. Dogs are friendly, appreciate a good belly rub, and are generally all-around pleasant. Unfortunately, they can bite. National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which takes place on the second week of April, spreads awareness about dog bites and how they can harm humans and dogs alike. This week, educate yourself and others on the importance of dog bite prevention. How Dog Bites Hurt Dogs and Humans While dogs are man’s best friend, their bites can cause a substantial amount of harm. Equipped with sharp teeth, dogs can tear through skin, and larger dogs with powerful jaws can even break bones. These injuries can be severe, leading to disabilities or — in extreme cases — death. While small dogs don’t have the bite of their larger kin, they can still break skin. Every dog bite can be dangerous, even if it doesn’t hurt much initially. Why? All dogs can carry diseases and bacteria. Some people assume that, since they aren’t humans, dogs can’t infect humans, but this is entirely false. If a dog bites you and breaks your skin, it will introduce a host of bacteria and other infectious organisms. It can lead to infection even if you can’t see it. Untreated infections can spread to the surrounding tissue, allowing for myriad illnesses, ailments, and diseases. Some dogs, especially stray dogs, can contract rabies; if a wild or unvaccinated dog bites you, head to the hospital immediately. Dog bites aren’t just harmful for the victims — they’re harmful for the aggressor dog. If it bites another animal or a person, the attacking dog likely faces retaliation — the animal being attacked may fight back, or the human will demand the dog be euthanized. Tips to Prevent Dog Bites (for Owners) Dog bite prevention can take a concerted effort. Not every dog has the instinct to bite, but those that do need extra care and a comprehensive plan. Here are a few tips to prevent aggressive behavior. • Have the dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that dogs tend to be less aggressive after the alteration. Of course, it’s not a guarantee, but it’s a step in the right direction.
• Socialize the dog with other dogs and people. Dogs need to speak each other’s language; the only way to learn is by being around other dogs. Taking your pet to dog parks and other dog-friendly places is a great way to introduce it to its peers in a positive environment. Furthermore, the more people it interacts with, the better. The dog won’t be as startled or surprised by humans if it knows how we act. • Try positive reinforcement training. You get more flies with honey. Dogs learn better with positive reinforcement. Treats, attention, and other rewards are excellent incentives for better behavior. Negative reinforcement, especially physical punishment, results in more aggressive dogs. • Allow growls. Dogs growl for a reason. It’s a warning, not an announcement. If you discourage growls and snarls, it may bite without warning. Growling gives you time to separate the dog from other dogs and people. • Contact a professional. If all else fails, contact a dog trainer. These specialists have experience in correcting dog behavior. Researching the trainer is important, as there are no legal requirements to become a dog trainer. Luckily, licensing organizations can point you in the right direction. Remember that every dog has a chance. It wants to learn and help humans — it’s in their DNA. It’s usually because of an owner’s negligence that a dog bites. If a dog bites you, contact an attorney. You shouldn’t have to accumulate medical bills for treatment related to a dog bite.
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