Dog Bite Lawyer: How to Avoid Dog Bites

How to Avoid Dog Bites

There are several ways to help reduce the risk of a bite:

If confronted by a dog trying to sniff you, stand still, don't try to run away. Most dogs will move away after determining that you are not a threat.
Never interfere with a dog that is caring for it's puppies.
Never startle a dog, by waking it or throwing an object in it's direction.
Don't disturb a dog while it is eating or drinking.
If you feel threatened by a dog, do not run. A dog's instinct will likely be to give chase. Stay calm. If you speak, talk in a firm voice without screaming.
Be very mindful of your children around all dogs, including family pets. Most dog bites occur to children.
If you think a dog may attack, remain motionless with hands at your sides. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
If the dog does attack, "feed" the dog your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Do not scream or roll around.

Despite the best preventive measures, bites can occur. If you or a child are bitten, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

How to Avoid Dog Bites to Children

Just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The most important lessons for children to learn are not to chase or tease dogs that they know and to avoid dogs that they don't know.

The following rules will help prevent your child from receiving a bite wound:

Treat all dogs as potentially dangerous, unless supervised by an adult.
Children should never be alone with a dog.
Never approach a restrained or confined dog.
Never approach a barking dog, even if he is wagging his tail.
Never take a toy or food from a dog.
Never disturb a sleeping dog.
Never discipline a dog by hitting it.