DogBites

SOME "DON'TS" THAT HELP PREVENT DOG BITES:
be sure you and your children are aware of them.

   1. Don't approach a dog inside his chained reach if tied to a doghouse.
        Don't enter a fenced yard with a dog in it, unless the owner's there
        to restrain the dog. Never reach inside fences or cars to pet a dog.
        Don't enter a friend's house or room unless the dog there knows you.
        Some dogs strongly protect their own territory .

   2. Don't try to take a puppy from its box. Let the owner do it.
        Don't approach a dog guarding a baby or toddler.

   3. Never startle a dog, especially while sleeping, nor approach it while
        it's eating. His instincts are to protect himself from enemies or rivals.

   4. Never tease or tantalize, dangle food or toys just out of a dogs reach.
        Dogs learn to distrust even passerby teasers.

   5. Keep hands, arms and voices down around dogs. Don't play rough and
        tumble games, especially with large dogs (or large breed pups). Dogs
        bite when excited.

   6. Don't run, exciting the dog's "chase response". If chased by a dog,
        stand still, facing the dog. You might shout, "NO DOG" or (GO HOME)
        VERY slowly resume walking, or edge slowly sideways. Some
        recommend saying " Good Dog", etc.

   7. Joggers might consider carrying a loop of rope (dogs don't like to get
        caught) or a "bite stick" with a loop, ( the thick part is thrust into the
        dog's mouth when he lunges) but not just a stick, which could be a threat.

8.   Children should not go among a pack of dogs, especially fighting dogs, even if
        their own dog is among them. Even owners have been bitten, attempting to
        remove their male dogs from a pack of fighting males surrounding a female
        in heat. Stay clear, or spray with a water hose.

9.   Children should not touch a dog that appears hurt or sick.

Learn to recognize a potential biter.....bark, snarl, or low growl, teeth bared, ears back, tail straight up, stiff legs.

If attacked, interpose a coat, purse, or book, anything you have, between yourself and the dog.
If knocked down, lie on your stomach, with arms covering your head and neck. If bitten, wash the wound with soap and water as soon as possible; call the doctor. Children should report bites to a parent or teacher at once. To be a bite, teeth must puncture the skin.

There are no guarantees any one precaution will work with all dogs. Dog owners must, by law, keep dogs on their property; or off, must control or leash. An owner is liable, in civil suits, for bite damage done by his dog, as well as arrest for "nuisance" violation. Many thousands of mailpersons, meter readers and delivery men are bitten each year.