Dog Bite Prevention

More than half of the dog attacks and dog bites in Canada involve children under the age of 10*

Most of these incidents occur with a dog that is known to the victim, i.e. The family dog, neighbour’s dog, etc. ^*

Most dog bites can be prevented.

You can teach your children to behave safely around dogs

WHY DO DOGS BITE?

· to protect people, places, and things such as food or toys        

· standing overtop of a dog or cornering a dog can make him feel threatened

· if they feel scared. A lost or stray dog may feel scared.

· an injured dog in pain may bite. So may a dog with pain that is not visible to us, such as a dog with an ear infection.

· old dogs who do not hear or see well can be surprised by people

· a dog excited by rough play can bite

· a dog that is being teased or having his ears pulled or his tail pulled may bite

Safety Rules to Teach Children

1. A dog that is sleeping, eating, tied up, behind a fence or in a car should be left alone

2. Do not grab toys, food, or bones away from a dog

3. Do not pet a dog if there is no owner with the dog

4. Always ask permission from a dog's owner before petting a dog.

If the owner says ok:

Walk slowly to the dog, approaching from the dog's side.

Hold your hand low and let the dog sniff your hand

Pet the dog on the chin or side, never on top of the head

5. Never chase a dog, pull his or her  tail or tease them

6. Never try to break up a dog fight

If a strange dog approaches you

 STAND LIKE A TREE:

Turn to the side

Stand still with your arms at your sides

Look at the sky

Most likely the dog will sniff you and then walk away. Then you can back away slowly.

* Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP), Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada