Dog Safety
Warning: A wagging tail on a dog is not always a sign of friendliness. It depends on the rest of the dog's body language. A friendly dog's body is relaxed. His mouth is relaxed and open, his tongue may be out. His head is neither way up nor way down. His tail is not standing up nor between his legs. When wagging, the tail is still relaxed. If the wagging tail is stiff, quick and vertical this is a sign of excitement not friendliness. A friendly dog does not cower and the hair on his back is not raised. A fearful dog will try to make himself appear smaller. An aggressive dog will try to make himself appear larger.
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The other day I took my dog to the vet. They were very busy that day so we had to wait a while in a crowded waiting room. While I waited, a young girl who was there with her dad and her pet made the rounds to all the other animals. She petted them without asking permission, hugged them when she could and stuck her face in all their faces. No one said anything to her. If this girl's behavior continues she is a prime candidate to be bit by a dog. Why?
How a dog treats its owner and how he treats a stranger can be two very different things. And how a dog treats an adult and how he treats a kid can be very, very different. Unfortuantely, nearly half of all dog bites involve kids being bitten by the family dog. (Kid's Dog Safety Program.) To understand why, we have to understand things from a dog's point of view.
First, most dogs are smaller than us and can become fearful that we might hurt them. We are giants to very small dogs. Dogs also tend to view kids as equals and will attempt to treat them like another dog and this can result in growling, biting, and body blocking. Some dogs have not been raised around kids and are uncomfortable around them. Some dogs are uneasy or fearful around men or boys. Dogs do not like to be petted on the head and yet this is the first place most people reach for in their attempts to pet. The natural reaction for a dog is to pull away, growl or even bite to protect himself. Think about how you would feel if someone reached up and went for your head - you would probably back away also. Dogs are easily startled with fast movements of any kind. Dogs interpret stares as challenges and threats so when you stare at a dog you are asking for trouble. It's natural for dogs to run when they are chased and it's natural for them to run after moving objects. Dogs are territorial so it's natural for them to guard their territory. Dogs react to loud noises and are easily startled. Dogs kept on chains are very often aggressive because they are not well socialized. And unneutered dogs tend to be more aggressive than neutered dogs. A mother dog can be very protective of her young. Dogs not properly trained can be very protective of their toys, owners and food. Some breeds tend to be more aggressive or protective than other breeds. Some dogs suffer with aches and pains or sickness just like people and may not want to be touched.
So here are some cardinal rules for dog safety:
Never pet a strange dog without asking the owner's permission. If the owner is not around, do not try to pet the dog but instead ignore it.
Do not approach or attempt to pet a dog on a chain, in a fenced in area or in a car. Since dogs are territorial they may view you as a invader of their territory.
Don't run up to or make quick moves around a dog. A startled dog may instinctively growl or bite.
Don't hit at, throw something at or chase a dog. A threated dog may defend himself by biting.
Don't ever run from a dog. Dogs chase moving objects and may view you as prey.
Don't yell, scream or make loud noises around a dog. This will excite a dog and he may react out of fear or excitement.
Don't stare at a dog. In dog language, this is a challenge and a threat.
Don't pet a dog who has its ears back, is backing way, has a tense body, is growling or barking, is cowered, or appears frightened or aggressive. This dog is sending you a warning. If you don't heed it, you will very likely become a bite victim.
Don't hug a dog, pet it on top of its head or put your face in his. Dogs generally do not like these actions. They are unnatural in the dog's world.
Don't reach over, bend over or step over a dog. The dog may see this as a sign of dominance or aggression.
Don't sneak up on or deliberately scare a dog. If you happened to have a loaded gun in your hand and someone scared you, you just might pull the trigger. Even so that dog just might sink his teeth in you.
Don't attempt to take something away from a dog unless you are familiar with him and know his behavior. Instead, attempt to give the dog something else as enticing so he will drop what he has.
Never bother a dog who is eating.
If you are walking your dog and a strange dog approaches (with or without its owner), put your dog in a sit/stay, position yourself between your dog and the other dog. Remain calm. Attempt to distract the other dog by throwing something enticing. While the dog chases it, move your dog in the opposite direction. Carry a spray can of dog repellent just in case the dog continues to approach and you need to use it. Do not put yourself or your dog in harms way. Do not be afraid of offending dog owners who cannot or do not control their dog. They are legally responsible to do so and are legally liable.
Here is what you should do:
After obtaining permission to pet a dog, offer your fist to the dog to smell. If he is receptive, stroke his chin and neck but avoid his head.
Speak to the dog in calm, even tones.
Stand very still.
Do not look directly at his eyes.
After petting the dog, back up slowly, remaining calm at all times.
If a dog approaches you and is showing any type of fear or aggression (growling, barking, teeth exposed, etc.), stand perfectly still. If you have pockets in your pants, put you hands in your pockets. Dogs have keen smells and may smell the food you had in your hands and go for your hands. Do not make any other sounds or movements. Do not look at the dog. Try not to show fear. Most dogs will eventually get bored and leave you alone. Yelling and screaming will only excite the dog more and could cause it to attack.
If a dog knocks you down, roll up in a ball and cover your face. Play dead, even if the dog bites you. Do not scream or yell - this will excite the dog even more and cause him to attack even more.
If you walk (with or without your dog) carry a spray especially made to repell dogs that will not hurt them - they do make these sprays - the smell is offensive to the dog.
Let me say here that I hug my dog Duke although dogs do not really like to be hugged. I kiss by dog Duke and I put my face in his. Duke and I have a relationship. He trusts me and I trust him (up to a point - he is still a dog.) I do as much as I can to Duke without hurting him because I want him to be comfortable around me and others. I don't ever want him to hurt someone and even though he has not meant to hurt me, he has hurt me before. He weighs 120 pounds so when he steps on my bare feet, lays on me, pulls on his leash when I'm holding on to the other end, runs in to me with his Elizabethian collar or grabs the ball with my hand still attached, it hurts. We are working on all these things to teach him good behavior. Regardless, Duke is still a dog. He has teeth, he is heavy and he is strong. And, as all dogs, he can at times be unpredictable. So I watch him closely around other people or animals.