Why are Dog Bite Prevention Programs so important?

Most of us share our lives with canis familaris - better known as the dog. It is what we have been doing for thousands of years. They keep us company and they show us compassion no matter how we look or how much money we have. Their companionship also provides many positive health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the effects of stress in our lives.

The problem lies in the fact that many of us believe dogs think, feel and reason the way humans do. But dogs act out of instinct and communicate through their body language. Not many of us understand that language and as a result, over 4 million people are bitten each year. Those bites more commonly come from family dogs and most bites could easily be prevented by:

	Understanding and respecting a family pet and better managing its activities around children and non-immediate family members.
	Educating children on how to 'read' dog language and consequently act in the correct manner when confronted with a variety of situations.

Assisi Animal Foundation believes that by providing children with these tools, dog bite prevention can be accomplished. We are therefore very proud to be continuing the work of bringing Dog Bite Prevention Education to McHenry County Schools.

What Dog Owners Can Do

Research done by the American Veterinarian Association as well the National Canine Research Council reveals that a dog's tendency to bite depends on at least 5 interacting factors:

HEREDITY: Before getting a dog, research and carefully consider breed characteristics. Choosing a dog that will cohabitate with a families life style is a key factor. Most dog shelters know their dogs and will provide guidance in selection of a mixed breed.

EARLY EXPERIENCES: Providing attention, adequate food and shelter, and positive experiences are critical. Hitting a puppy will only encourage aggression.

LATER SOCIALIZATION AND TRAINING: Allow many opportunities for a dog tosocialize with other dogs and other people in different places. Train a dog to respond to basic commands and keep him out of situations where he might feel threatened and/or teased. If not sure how a dog will react to a new situation or a new person, error on the safe side. Separate the dog momentarily or until the person has left or the situation has ended.

HEALTH (MEDICAL AND BEHAVIORAL): The number one thing a dog owner can do to prevent his dog from biting anyone, is to have it spay/neutered. EACH YEAR UNNEUTERED MALE DOGS ARE INVOLVED IN 76% OF ALL REPORTED DOG BITE INCIDENTS. Annual check-ups to a veterinarian will keep a dog healthy. Assure that the dog has adequate food, water, shelter and affection. Exercise is also extremely important for maintance of good mental health. Depending on the breed, some dogs require 1-2 hours of play or walks each day. Tethering or chaining a dog is not healthy outdoor time. This practice often creates feelings of isolation which can lead to aggressive behaviors.

VICTIM BEHAVIOR: Regardless of size, breed or temperament, all dogs can bite if provoked or challenged. Know the body language that dogs display and know how to act when confronted by a dog. Dogs cannot think and reason like humans. It is human behavior that often times prompts both fatal and non fatal dog bites.

What we can do to keep children and adults safe around dogs?

	Children should be instructed to never approach a strange dog. It is extremely important to emphasize that even though they may want to help a hurt dog, they should stay away and find an adult. If a strange dog approaches, the should stay still and act like a tree with fists beneath their chin and eyes looking straight ahead. They should never fun from a dog or scream. This will only excite the dog more. In most cases, the dog will sniff and then move on. The child is no longer a threat or something that he wants to play with.
	Children should be instructed to never disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, eating or sleeping. If a dog is playing with a toy, a child should never approach him as he may think the child is going to take away 'his' toy. Children should also never use their hands or feet as toys for a dog. The dog may not know the difference.
	Children should always ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog. Then they should let the dog sniff their closed fist before petting the dog on his back or side. Children should never hug or kiss a dog as this is often a threatening gesture to a dog.
	When a dog is near, children should be encouraged to move with slow and quiet movements. Many bites occur to children that are crawling or rolling on the floor. If a child is knocked down by a dog, they should roll up into a ball and act like a rock. This will normally calm the dog. Children should also never chase or tease, poke, hit, pull or pinch a dog.