Dogs and humans usually love each other and are great companions. However, it is estimated that between 500,000 to 1 million dog bite victims require medical attention annually, with approximately a dozen people dying each year from dog bites.1 Litigation for dog bites is at an all time high.
Dog owners are responsible for training their dogs to prevent dog bites. Dog trainers refer to this as bite proofing your dog. Here are ten tips for bite-proofing your dog:
Select Your Dog Carefully. Research dog breeds; genetics play some role in dog behavior and some dog breeds are inclined to bite and behave aggressively. Consult with veterinarians, certified animal behaviorists and dog trainers to learn about dog breeds. Don’t adopt a dog with a history of biting or aggression, especially if you have children. Spend time with a dog before adopting or buying it.
Neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.2
Be a responsible dog owner. License your dog in your community as required and always obey leash laws. Don’t let your dog roam.
Socialize your dog. When your dog is a puppy, introduce him to many different types of people and situations under controlled circumstances and for short periods of time. The dog will feel at ease in different normal social situations with other dogs and people. Never allow your dog to be in a situation where he feels threatened or teased, or despite your best efforts to bite-proof your dog, he may respond aggressively.
Train your dog. Accompany your dog to dog training classes. Hire a responsible dog trainer to work with you and family members in training the dog. All family members should learn the techniques and use the same commands. Your dog needs to know basic commands such as “No,” “Sit,” “Stay,” “Come,” “Quiet,” and “Lie Down.” A trainer will work with family members on bite proofing behavior.
Teach the dog appropriate behavior and games. Don’t play wrestling, chasing, and biting, attacking or aggressive games with your dog. Set appropriate limits for dog behavior. Stop inappropriate behavior immediately. Don’t allow the dog to play bite you, family members or outsiders.
Keep your dog healthy. Keeping your dog in good health is important to keeping him happy and comfortable because how he feels will affect his behavior. Have him vaccinated for rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Have him treated for fleas and parasites.
Pay attention to your dog. Be alert for signs of illness as well as signs that your dog may be feeling uncomfortable, frightened or aggressive that may lead to biting.
Behave appropriately around your dog. Never sneak up on your dog when he is eating or sleeping. Avoid startling your dog. Never pet a dog that is playing with a toy or acting protective of an object.
Make your dog part of your family. Dogs are social animals and need to be part of a group. Dogs that spend more time alone or tied up often become lonely and develop behavior problems that may lead to biting. Pay attention to your dog, pet him, groom him, play with him, and provide exercise opportunities for him.
Stress affects your pet’s health in many ways. Stress affects the health of your pet’s cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. It can cause a pet to pluck out his feathers or lick out his fur. It can cause your pet to chew up your expensive shoes, and claw and spray your furniture. Chewing, clawing, over-grooming, overly aggressive behavior, spraying, and even an overly excited greeting can be signs that your pet is stressed.
Don’t underestimate the affects of stress on your pet. Unlike you, your pet doesn’t have a demanding job, drive a car in heavy traffic or an overscheduled life but he has his own stress. Domestic animals have been taken out
of their own environments to live with human beings.
It is stressful, even for domestic animals, to conform to behavior rules and environments imposed by human beings. It is helpful to remember that the behavior rules and expectations you have for your pet may be unnatural behavior for that animal.
There are many situations that can affect your pet’s level of stress and consequently his health. These situations may include a trip to the vet, an overnight stay at a kennel, being left at home alone for long periods, traveling in the car, the presence of other animals, changes of schedule, visitors who don’t like pets, certain forms of punishment and strange animals in the vicinity.
If you know the causes of stress in your pets’ life, you can keep him healthier and happier, and it may help you unravel certain health and behavioral mysteries that you have never been able to understand before. When you understand the behaviors and physical symptoms that indicate when your pet is under too much stress you will be able to take steps to relieve his stress.
Many stress-related health problems and behaviors can be reduced or eliminated through adequate exercise, proper diet and nutrition, a calm and predictable home environment and adequate companionship. You can learn more about these topics on other pages of this web site
a puppy, introduce him to many different types of people and situations under controlled circumstances and for short periods of time. The dog will feel at ease in different normal social situations with other dogs and people. Never allow your dog to be in a situation where he feels threatened or teased, or despite your best efforts to bite-proof your dog, he may respond aggressively.
There are many situations that can affect your pet’s level of stress and consequently his health. These situations may include a trip to the vet, an overnight stay at a kennel, being left at home alone for long periods, traveling in the car, the presence of other animals, changes of schedule, visitors who don’t like pets, certain forms of punishment and strange animals in the vicinity.
Many stress-related health problems and behaviors can be reduced or eliminated through adequate exercise, proper diet and nutrition, a calm and predictable home environment and adequate companionship. You can learn more about these topics on other pages of this web site