What should I do if my dog bites someone?

            Even if the reason for an attack can be explained, it is rarely excused.  Dogs might bite because they are scared, startled, harmed intentionally, injured unintentionally, trying to protect someone or something, teased or just extremely stressed by external stimuli such as firecrackers or thunder.  Not all dogs that bite are aggressive by nature.  It is your job to protect your dog from getting a bite history, but sometimes an unpredictable situation may arise!  If your dog does bite someone, act responsibly by taking these steps:

1. Confine your dog immediately and check on the victims condition.  If necessary, seek medical help.

2. Provide the victim with important information such as the date of your dogs last rabies vaccination and your veterinarians name as well as contact number.

3. Consult your veterinarian and an animal trainer / behavior specialist for practical advice that will help you prevent such problems in the future.

4. If your dog shows serious aggression that the professionals cannot cure, do not give the dog to someone else.  Especially not to someone who specifically wants a mean dog.  Dogs obtained for purposes that make aggression a desirable trait lead miserable lives.  If the professionals you consult feel the aggression is incurable and severe enough to cause attacks in the future, they will most likely suggest humane euthanasia. 

 How can I avoid getting bitten?

1. Never approach a strange dog whose owner is present without permission.  In case of emergency, never approach any dog that is confined, tethered or injured unless you are prepared for its possibly aggressive reaction.
2. Try not to startle even your own dog.  Some dogs sleep with their eyes open.  Always make sure the dog is receptive to your presence.
3. Be careful not to trigger a strange dogs natural chase instinct.  If you run away from it or even just run past it, it may chase you as it would chase prey.  It will catch you with its teeth!  Not what you want.  Back away calmly and quietly if you want to distance yourself.
4. Never disturb a strange dog that is eating, guarding a possession or protecting its pups.  If it is your dog, train it to allow you to take things from its mouth or touch its food.  A trainer can provide appropriate, positive training techniques.
5. Avoid direct eye contact with a strange dog. The dog may perceive your direct eye contact as a sign of aggression or dominance and may assume you are challenging it.  Giving a strange dog a toothy smile is also not good.  You just might see the dog flash its teeth in return!

What should I do if I am attacked?

1. If the dog does attack, feed it your backpack, purse, whatever will distract it from eating you  If you are standing, try to stand still.  If you are knocked down, curl up in a ball with your hands over your ears.  Try not to move around or scream.  Be as uninteresting as possible.
2. When the danger is over, wash all wounds immediately and consult a doctor. The doctor will treat you and give you the appropriate numbers to call to report the incident to animal control.
3. Try to locate the owner to get health information on the dog.  If the owner cannot be found and / or the dog is still at large, animal control will try to locate the dog as quickly as possible.  If you can give an accurate description of the dog as well as any other information, it will help speed up the process.