subject: Keep Yourself Safe From A Dog Attack [print this page] Every year, millions of people are bitten by dogs. The majority of dog attack victims are children, who are most often bitten on the face. Every dog owner has a responsibility to ensure that this doesn't happen, and there are certain things that an individual can do to keep themselves and their children safe from a dog attack.
If a dog is aggressive, it is up to the owner to recondition the dog. Finding a professional and experienced trainer that deals with aggressive dogs is the best bet. Certain medications can be prescribed by a vet to calm the dog down during the reconditioning.
Most dog bites and attacks are covered by home owner's insurance. The insurance company will investigate the accident and possibly pay for the victims medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. Some companies will even pay for future plastic surgery or psychological counseling if necessary.
A dog owner should never let their pet run loose, and should always keep the animal away from strangers even if they believe that the dog would never hurt anyone. In some states, an owner is automatically liable for any damage caused by their pet if it's loose.
Rabies vaccinations are required by law. Rabies, if left untreated, can be fatal in humans. Even the most gentle of dogs can quickly spiral out of control and attack if they have rabies.
Posting Beware of Dog signs are a good idea for any dog owner, especially if your dog is easily agitated. These should be posted around your home. Unfortunately, though, young children can not read these signs. Just because the signs are there, don't assume that everyone knows what they mean.
There are a few things that you can do to protect yourself and your children from a dog attack. These tips should be made clear to your children, and it should also be made clear that they should never approach an unfamiliar dog unless given permission by the owner.
Always be aware of your surroundings when out for a walk. Never assume that all dogs are leashed or behind a fence. Keep your head up, and pay attention to your surroundings. Although you should never approach an unfamiliar animal, some dogs you know also need to be approached with extra caution. Dogs that are eating or sleeping should never be disturbed, and mother dogs caring for her young should also be left alone. Instinct can kick in, and they may attack even if unprovoked.
There are a few things to remember if an unknown dog does approach you. First of all, stand up, and stay calm. Let the dog sniff you. More times than not, it will satisfy its curiosity and move on. If a hostile dog approaches you stay calm. Avoid eye contact, talk in a quiet soothing voice, and back away slowly. Never turn your back on an aggressive dog, and never run away.
In the event that a dog does attack and you get knocked to the ground, immediately curl up into a ball. Cover your head with your hands and arms, and keep your face and neck protected.
Certain dog breeds are banned in certain areas of the US. One such ban was proposed in the city of Highland Park near Chicago in 2009 following an incident involving a 14 year old girl being attacked by a pit bull.
The girl was mauled on her face and arms, and afterward, the mayor proposed a ban on owning a pit bull. The theory behind banning certain dog breeds is that some are more likely to attack than others. If certain breeds are banned, theoretically the number of attacks should go down. It is unclear whether this is the case.
