How To Tackle A Pet Dog That Bites

I was shocked to know that there are about four and half million dog bites each year in the United States Of America, with children under the age of 13 being most bitten by dogs. It is still more significant to note familiar dogs accounted for most of the dog bites.

Some reasons why dogs bite and how to tackle them:

• The possessive nature and its instinct of protection of property accounts for dog bites; your pet dog could be possessive about his  toy, food or even a human being. This instinct is found more commonly in guard dogs and herding breeds.

Teach your pet dog the “Leave it” command; the dog would learn to wait for its food by lying down or sitting. Approaching the food bowl with occasional treats would make the dog understand it is not wrong that someone approaches his food bowl. It would also help if no one went near the dog when he is enjoying a treat like a bone.

• Pains felt by the dog like hip dysplasia, severe otitis or any chronic injury could cause the friendliest of dogs to attack and bite. If your pet dog could become snippy for no reason at all; then pain could be a possible cause.

Schedule an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian for a physical if you suspect pain could be the cause.     

• Fears felt by the pet dog towards strangers like veterinarians and postal workers or any other unfamiliar situations can cause dog bites. Fear bites could also occur when the dog is startled or bothered by children at home. 

You and your children should neither approach unfamiliar dogs, nor sneak up to even your pet dog when he is sleeping. Early socialization of puppies by exposing them to different people, animals and situations helps. Make the first visit to the vet a social visit and also leave treats in the mailbox that could be given by the postman to your dog.

• The maternal instincts of the most well trained bitch could bring about dog bites.

Respect the maternal instincts of a bitch that has whelped recently and teach your children to also not go nearby or handle the puppies. Also ensure the mother and puppies have a place with minimal distraction that is safe. 

• Dogs experience an instinct to chase and bite when they see someone cycling, running or jogging.

Avoid running or cycling near a roaming dog; if the dog gives a chase, it is best to stop moving and stand still facing the dog. Avoid eye contact as the dog could view it as a challenge. Encourage your children to also do so. The dog would just sniff you and go away finding you uninteresting. If you are knocked down by the dog, just curl up, be still and protect your face, hands and neck.