Most dogs that bite and attack are not socialised (living outside in yards). Rather than blame dogs (who may be in pain), it’s important to treat dogs well, and also teach children not to scream if they are scared of dogs, as this can spook any creature. If you feel that your dog has been unfairly accused, see how to find free & lost-cost legal help for pets.
Dog Bite Prevention
- If approached by an off-leash dog: arms by side, hands in front and look down (dogs find this no threat). Blue Cross has info to prevent dog bites, The Blue Dog has a teacher toolbox. Most attacks are from dogs outside in yards. Find tips to keep dogs safe near children.
- Ask permission before saying hello, and turn your body to the side, so dogs can come to you (hold your hand out in a fist). Only pat a dog’s chest, back, neck or side, or ask guardian what dog likes. Do not pat dogs on the head (nor hug or stare).
how to break up a dog fight
The Spruce Pets has tips on how to break up a dog fight. Forcing them apart usually won’t help. The author has many gentler tips including using water sprays, loud noises and using the ‘wheelbarrow technique’ which involves each person firmly grabbing hold of the back legs of each dog and walking backward to part them (pull the top dog back first, the other as soon as it stands up).
The circling enables the dog to follow a circular path with its front paws, to move ideally to an enclosed space, where it can no longer see the other dog (or is calm enough to attach a leash).
tips for dogs who don’t like posties!
Many posties are bitten by (even friendly) dogs, who get territorial. Here are tips from Royal Mail to keep both dog and postie safe:
- Keep your dog in a secure place, when the postie arrives.
- Never open the door with a dog behind you.
- Close off access from back garden to front door.
- Don’t let children open the door (dogs can push past).
- Calmly let dogs back into area, 10 minutes after posties leave.
- Install a wire letter receptacle, to protect postie’s fingers.
- Or fit a secure mailbox outside your property.
- Registering your dog and ensuring all paperwork and medical checks are in order, will make things easier if your dog were to bite a postie, if it resulted in a legal case.
