Tips on how to avoid being bitten and be a responsible dog owner

BEDFORD PARK – Last year, 6,755 postal employees were victimized by dogs, an increase of 206 attacks over the previous year. But that number pales in comparison to the many children that are bitten each year.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) report that small children, the elderly, and letter carriers, in that order, are the most frequent victims of dog bites.

Children are the majority of victims and are 900 times more likely to be bitten than letter carriers.

How to avoid being bitten

• Don’t run past a dog. The dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch you. If a dog threatens you, don’t scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain motionless until the dog leaves, and then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.

• Don’t approach a strange dog, especially one that’s tethered or confined.

• While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet
dogs should always let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.

• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

How to be a responsible dog owner

• Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dogs in any situation.

• When the letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room or on a leash.

• Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of letter carriers as a threat.

• Take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.

• Neutered dogs are less likely to bite. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) statistics reflect that dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are up to three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident than neutered or spayed dogs.

• Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.

 Source: theherald-news.com