Dog bites can be scary, but preventing these bites and attacks is not impossible. When approaching a dog, you should make sure to take a few steps to ensure you are safe. Kids are more likely to pet an unknown dog. Parents should take the initiative and teach their kids about dog bite prevention from an early. Children as young as four-year-olds get bitten by dogs in the neck and head.
You deserve compensation if you were attacked or bitten by another person’s dog due to the owner’s carelessness in restraining the animal. Dog bite attacks can be painful and traumatic and cause disfigurement. Contact a Waterbury personal injury attorney to know how you can get compensation.
Dog bite prevention– things to remember
- Learn to read a dog’s body language.
Remember that dogs do feel sad and anxious at times. But, they cannot express their feelings and emotions with words, so they use their body language. You must be able to read a dog’s body language, interpret it and take steps accordingly. Recognizing the subtle signs of aggression and nervousness is important because dogs tend to attack when they feel threatened.
- Take permission before petting a dog.
Before you pet someone else’s dog, especially one you are meeting for the first time, make sure to seek permission from the owner first. Approaching and interacting with strange dogs must be done with care and responsibility. Remember that even if the pet parent or owner allows you, being calm and gentle with the dog is still important. If the dog does not appear in the mood to play, respect their boundaries and do not force them.
- Model behavior around dogs.
As a parent, you should be extra cautious about how you act around dogs when your children are watching you. Remember that children imitate and learn from their parents. Therefore, the best way to teach your children to model behavior around dogs is by following them yourself. Show your children the importance of seeking permission before petting a dog, being gentle, and respecting the dog’s boundaries.
- Do not run when an unknown dog approaches you.
Sometimes an unknown dog may approach you even when you do not call out to them. In such situations, it is important to stay calm and still. The dog can sense your fear, and the more you panic, the more likely the dog is going to attack you. You should avoid direct eye contact with dogs because they take it as a challenge. Allow the dog to sniff you to let them know you are safe.
