Bite Guard: Preventing Dog Attacks and Bites

Dogs

As the saying goes, “One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.”

Dogs bring millions of human beings across the world an abundance of companionship, joy and utility every day. But the isolated occurrence of dog biting can ignite a stigma that transcends one single dog or even one dog breed, casting a dark shadow upon an entire population of canines and drawing reminders of their wolf ancestry.

A dog can be ideal in nearly every conceivable way – great companion, effective watchdog, fun personality, etc. – however, if that dog is prone to biting, and thereby putting human safety at risk, that dog will likely be labeled a menace to society. That reputation can result in many negative consequences, the most drastic of which is euthanasia.

How Widespread Is This Problem?

Just how prevalent is dog biting in our society? While it may sound hard to believe, dog bites comprise the second most common childhood injury requiring emergency-room care, behind only injuries occurring during baseball/softball games and ahead of injuries arising from playground accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of the 4.7 million people bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year are children. Moreover, about half of all children 12 and under have been bitten at some point. But children are hardly the only demographic category susceptible to dog bites – it can happen to anyone, with the elderly and delivery workers representing other frequent targets (yes, the dog-chasing-the-mail-carrier stereotype can hold true).

The increasing number of dog bites has led the CDC to label dog bites as an “epidemic” within our country. However, it’s important to keep the “bad apple” reference in mind, as there are approximately 75 million dogs within the U.S., but just a fraction of these canines contributing to this problem. Dog bites are inflicted upon roughly two percent of the U.S. population annually, but thankfully, the vast majority of these bites prove to be non-fatal.

Understanding Why Dogs Bite

The root causes of dog biting are as diverse as dog breeds, themselves. Among the many reasons why a dog may resort to biting are the following:

• A dog is afraid or threatened by an unknown situation
• A dog is attempting to protect his territory
• A dog is trying to establish dominance
• A dog owner mistakenly taught a dog that biting is an acceptable form of play behavior

Territorial Aggression by dogs can be fueled by dominance or by fear. Dominant dogs believe they have a responsibility to warn other pack members of a stranger’s approach, and they do this with confidence and authority. Fear-related territorial aggression takes the form of approach-avoid behavior with strangers and a failure to settle down while strangers are present within the home.

Ever wonder why a dog seemingly chews everything when you’re gone from the house? These reasons, too, are numerous and varied. A dog may opt to chew to relieve boredom, to satiate his curiosity, to reduce anxiety or separation anxiety, to explore “forbidden fruit” or simply because your household items carry your scent, which appeals to your dog.

Practicing Preventive Medicine

Teaching your family preventative medicine for interacting properly with “man and woman’s best friend” can help minimize the threat of dog biting. This consideration can begin even before your family obtains its furry new member.

What should you consider before getting a dog?

• Consult with a professional to learn which breeds of dogs are suitable for your household.
• Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if necessary, delay acquiring a dog.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
• Spay/neuter your dog, as this reduces aggressive tendencies.
• Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
• Do not play aggressive games with your dog.
• Socialize and train your dog, seeking professional advice if the dog develops undesirable behaviors.