Avoid Getting Bitten: Safe Ways to Interact with Dogs

Interacting with animals is something that should be done carefully to ensure the safety of both the humans and animals involved. With National Dog Bite Prevention Week starting Sunday, I’d like to focus specifically on the best practices of interacting with canines. 

Whether a dog is a domesticated household pet, a stray or feral, it’s important to understand that all dogs have the potential to bite. Contrary to popular belief, no one breed is more prone to bite than another–a dog’s decision to bite is purely dependent on situational elements. As such, there are certain precautions one should always take when interacting with a dog–whether it’s the first time or the hundredth time. 

• Respect the space of a dog that is eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy or bone, or caring for puppies. These are activities during which dogs will take a defensive approach to anyone who gets too close.
• Always give a dog the opportunity to see and sniff your hand first. Dogs use their sense of smell to get to know strangers, so be sure to bend down in front of the dog (do not loom over them) and slowly offer the back of your hand. This will allow them to officially “meet” you and become familiar and comfortable with your scent.
• Do not turn your back to a dog and run away. Their natural impulse is to chase objects that run from them. If you wish to remove yourself from a situation with a dog, stand still with your hands at your side and refrain from making eye contact with the dog as you slowly back away.
• Never trap or corner a dog. Even if you are well-acquainted with the dog or perhaps just playing around, dogs will act out defensively when they feel trapped. 

Unfortunately, children account for a large number of dog bites each year. This is primarily because a child’s greeting habits are unfamiliar and unsettling to most dogs. Moreover, children are around the same height as dogs, loud and oftentimes rambunctious.  They are not familiar with the proper ways to interact with a dog and will often greet a canine with a hug or a kiss on the mouth. These kinds of behaviors will catch most dogs off-guard, even the well-socialized ones.

As a result, dogs are likely to bite in response to feeling crowded or uncomfortable. Thus, it’s highly important for children to always be supervised around dogs.  Additionally, it’s beneficial for parents to educate their children about how to safely approach and interact with dogs. 

By their very nature, dogs are social creatures. They enjoy spending time with their human companions and interacting with other furry friends. However, they are animals and as such they harbor the instinct to act out defensively if they feel threatened. It’s important to be mindful of your behavior around dogs and how it may affect their perceived sense of safety.

These precautionary measures will ensure that your interaction with any canine is a pleasant and safe experience for both parties involved!