Dog Bite Safety

Written by Jennifer White

Remember - biting is a normal way for dogs to communicate:
• Dogs bite because they are scared, angry or excited
• Dogs need space - do not crowd or trap them
• Never hug a strange dog - it makes them feel trapped and scared
• Never tease or hurt an animal - treat animals as you want to be treated
• Never put your hand in a car window when there is a dog in the car
• Never approach a dog on someone else’s property unless you are with the owner
• Never bother a dog if they are eating or chewing on a bone
• Never startle or scare a dog when they are sleeping
• Always talk to your dog to let them know you are approaching

Signs that a dog is stressed and may bite - back away slowly!:
• Ears back
• Eyes staring (you can see the white part)
• Crouching low (fear) or appearing large (dominance)
• Hackles (hair on back) standing up
• Tail between legs (fear) or high up and wagging (dominance)
• Moving slowly towards someone or something (stalking)
• Barking loudly (protection of territory)
• Growling
• Showing teeth (with or without growling)
• Snapping (snapping the air or making contact)

Signs that a dog is relaxed:
• Relaxed body position
• Tail wagging low or hanging low
• Slow panting
• Relaxed ears, eyes, and mouth

If you are approached by a stray dog, remember: TREE - LOG - ROCK:
• Never run or scream
• Be a Tree - Stand still, place fists under chin, look up at sky
• Be a Log - Lie on stomach, place hands over ears, bury face in the ground
• Be a Rock - Sit down, place hands over ears, bury face into lap

How to approach a dog on leash when the owner is present:
Step 1: Say “May I pet your dog?”
Step 2: Say “What is your dog’s name?”
Step 3: Say the dog’s name (call the dog to you) and let the dog come to you willingly!

And don’t forget:
- Do not stare in a dog’s eyes
- Do not stick you hand in a dog’s face to “sniff”
- Do not lean over or walk into a dog’s space
- If your not sure about what a dog is saying, it’s always better to stay away!

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