This puppy looks cute and sweet, and not at all vicious. He is an American Bull Terrier, often called a "Pit Bull". If he is raised with love and gentleness he will be a great family pet. If he is taught to be mean and aggressive, people will be afraid of him. Part of preventing dog bites is in how the animals are raised and trained.
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This week has been National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Dogs are known as our best friends, but certain circumstances can cause a dog to bite. One that is injured or frightened may bite as a defense even though the human could be trying to help. Some dogs tend to be more aggressive, while others tend to be very passive. So how can you know if a dog poses a threat to you?
Growling or snarling is an obvious indication that a dog may bite. But there are other signs to look out for. Some breeds have reputations for being aggressive, but the truth is, ANY dog may bite. Even passive dogs can exhibit aggressive traits when they feel trapped or when they are part of a group or pack. Dogs kept on a chain are often more dangerous than those in a fenced yard.
If you find yourself dealing with a potentially dangerous dog, here are a few suggestions.
As tempting as it might seem at the time, do not turn and run. Remain calm and motionless.
Do not yell or scream, as loud noises may excite the dog.
Avoid direct eye contact with the animal. When the dog turns its attention to something else, move slowly away, but do not turn your back on it.
If attacked, try to put something – anything – in the dog’s mouth, like your purse or jacket or book bag or whatever you have handy.
And if you should fall or be knocked to the ground, roll up into a ball, put your hands over your ears and be still.
If you do get bitten, wash the area with soap and water. Infection is not uncommon with animal bites. If that happens, see a doctor right away. And report the bite to your local health department, because the animal may need to be quarantined.
Even better than treating the bite is preventing dog bites altogether. The best way to do that is to avoid situations where you might encounter an aggressive dog.
And be a responsible pet owner – don’t encourage aggressive tendencies in your dog. Instead, train it to be an obedient, submissive, loving animal – the kind of companion we all enjoy when we’re speaking of pets.
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