Beware the Dog Bite (page 2 of 2)

Spay or Neuter

Studies show an unneutered male dog is three times more likely to bite. Neutering reduces a dog's aggression. It's also humane. Too many males are let loose because owners can't control them. Too many puppies from unplanned breeding are abandoned.

Playtime
Dogs crave our company. They are sociable pack animals. But many people get a dog then leave it alone most of the day in an apartment or a back yard. Some even tie dogs outside, which increases the chance of aggressive behavior. This makes for what dog experts call "inadequate socialization." When such dogs encounter new people, they may bite from fear or from an instinct to protect their territory. "Make sure your dog meets as many new people each day as possible, especially when young," says Robin Kovary, a dog trainer in New York.

Don't Act Stupid
People who boast of being "good with dogs" often end up getting bitten, notes Dr. Sinclair. That's because they forget to take the proper precautions with dogs they don't know.

A mother in Charlotte, N.C., had a plumber walk into her house unannounced. Hearing a ruckus, she found the plumber in the family room, trying to "make friends" with her coldly furious Labrador retriever. All the dog knew was that she had an intruder on one side, and "her" child and household on the other. "Dogs always like me," the plumber protested before making a hasty exit. He was seconds away from a serious bite.

Children especially must be taught how to be smart with dogs. "Many kids' normal behaviors--like running and squealing--look to a dog like the actions of prey," says the CDC's Dr. Sacks. "That just naturally incites a dog's basic predatory instincts."

Make sure your children do not try stunts like riding a dog or blowing into the face of a sleeping dog. And remember that even if your own children know how to treat your pets, their buddies may not.

Carolyn Boatner of Signal Mountain, Tenn., a mother of four, had a child bitten as a toddler. "It taught me that you can't predict what kids will try or how any dog will react." Her dog, she says, is gentle and has never exhibited any tendency to bite. "But when my kids have friends over, I put her away because she's a hundred pounds. Why take a chance?"

No Excuses
"I see it all the time in parks and on the street," says Allevato. "A dog snarls or snaps at a stranger, and the owner says, ‘It's okay, he's just scared.' Well, maybe so. But it is not appropriate for a dog to snarl, growl, snap or bite in these common situations."

Don't make excuses for your dog. It's not all right to let a dog get away with growling over food or possessions, biting out of fear, refusing to be controlled around other dogs, snapping or nipping, says trainer Carol Lea Benjamin in her book Dog Problems. "These behaviors are unacceptable for dogs who are family pets," she says. "And when left uncorrected they give dogs the clear message that aggression is acceptable."

Beyond puppyhood, retraining an aggressive dog often is a tough job, and it doesn't always work. You may need professional advice. Contact your veterinarian, who might refer you to a trainer or behaviorist. If after retraining, your dog continues to scare people, consider whether the kindest and safest action is to put the dog to sleep.

Every pet owner, and every family with children, needs to take seriously the risk of dog bites. Ask the Bogers. It's been more than a year since Megan was bitten. The scars around her eye and the crease on one side of her mouth have faded almost to nothing, but the memory of the attack by her pet lingers. "She's very hesitant around all dogs," reports her mom. "I'm more so." They have taught Megan and their other children to approach dogs slowly, and to hold out a hand to be sniffed before getting closer.

The family was required by law to keep Blaze contained for ten days, to be sure the dog didn't carry rabies. Then the Bogers gave him to a family friend-one with no children. Now they have Blaze back, but he's carefully supervised.

How to Avoid Getting Bitten

• Don't disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Always ask the owner if you can pet a dog. If the owner says yes, first close your hand into a fist and let the dog sniff the back of your hand. Then pet the dog gently.
• Never leave an infant or toddler alone with a dog.
• To avoid a stray dog, walk away from it slowly and quietly. Never run away. Do not stare into the dog's eyes.
• Know the posture signs that indicate the dog is about to attack. Common ones include: head lowered, staring, hackles up.
• If you are confronting an aggressive dog, place your hands at your sides and keep them still. Never wave them in the air.
• Don't run or scream if attacked by a dog. Stand still with your arms at your side. Don't make eye contact or talk to the dog. If you are knocked over, curl into a ball and put your hands over your ears.

From Reader's Digest - January 2000

 

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• • Children's Health
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