Reducing the number of injuries from dog bites requires a two-pronged approach: educating both adults and children about bite prevention, and encouraging dog owners to practice responsible pet ownership. Understanding canine body language is a crucial part of this strategy.
Dogs communicate their feelings through body language. They may display signs of anxiety, fear, threat, or aggression by changing their posture or behavior. An aggressive dog might try to look bigger, with ears up and forward, fur on their back and tail standing on end, and tail straight up. On the other hand, an anxious or scared dog might try to look smaller, crouching to the ground, lowering their head, licking their lips repeatedly, putting their tail between their legs, flattening their ears back, yawning, avoiding eye contact, staying still, rolling on their back, or trying to move away from a perceived threat. It’s important to remember that a wagging tail or a crouching body doesn’t always indicate friendliness.
When meeting an unfamiliar dog, it’s best to ask the owner for permission before attempting to pet them. A strange hand in a dog’s face may scare them, potentially leading to a bite. If given permission, let the dog sniff your closed hand before proceeding to pet their shoulders or chest. Avoid petting the top of the dog’s head. If the dog looks uncomfortable, speak happily to the dog and casually remove your hand.
It’s also advisable to avoid dogs who are barking or growling, as well as those who are loose, behind a fence, or tied up. If an unknown dog approaches you, stay quiet and still. Do not run or scream.
Children should always be supervised around dogs, and never be left alone with a dog. Teach them to treat dogs gently and with respect, giving the dog their own space and opportunities to rest. When in public, keep your dog on a leash for the safety of your dog and those around them.
For dog owners, adopting from a well-managed animal shelter, socializing your dog, enrolling them in humane, reward-based training classes, supervising them outdoors, seeking professional help at the first sign of aggressive behavior, being aware of common triggers of aggression, licensing your dog, and providing regular veterinary care are all ways to significantly reduce the risk of your dog biting someone.
In conclusion, education and responsible pet ownership are key to preventing dog bites. By understanding canine body language, respecting a dog’s boundaries, and practicing responsible pet ownership, we can create a safer environment for both dogs and humans.