According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention. More than 50 percent of dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property and they account for one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims.
To reduce your chances of your dog biting someone, take the following steps:
- Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other people and animals.
- Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
- Play non-aggressive games with your dog, such as “go fetch.” Playing aggressive games like “tug-of-war” can encourage inappropriate behavior.
- Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
- Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
- Seek immediate professional advice from a veterinarian or responsible breeder if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
The American Kennel Club offers a Canine Good Citizen program, an entry-level training program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. For more information on the Canine Good Citizen program, visit www.akc.org and click on the “Dog Owners” tab.
