How To Prevent Dog Bites
Lateef Olajide
It is very certain that there is no guarantee that your dog will never bite someone under any condition which you may not even predict. However, you can reduce the risk attached to dog bite. The popular saying is that prevention is better than cure.
Since prevention of dog bites is not the responsiblity of dog owners alone, here we will be discussing preventive measures the prospective dog owners, dog owners, parents, and general member of the public can make instant use of.
Preventive measures applicable to potential dog owners
The first thing you must do before you think of bringing in a dog to your househood is to first evaluate your environment and your lifestyle.
Though their is no breed that will not under any condition which you may not predict, however it is still very important for you to consult professionals like veterinarian, dog behaviorist and breeder to determine the breed that will be suitable for you, your family and most especially that will be suitable for your environment. Obtainning breed specification will help you alot in avoiding any possible future trouble.
Prospective dog owner should not buy a dog that is bellow 8 weeks of age. Puppy bellow this age will not have the opportunity to learn bite inhibition from his litter mate at all.
Buying dog that is above 4 months is a bit risky to be introduce to your home as you may not predict the dog behavior. However, if you are to buy older dog at all make sure that you did not purchase a do with any history of aggression.
If any of your children exhibit any fear or apprehension of dogs, make sure you delay bringing in a dog. You should know earlier if you seek your children's opinion during your evaluation of your environment. However, if your child is no yet 6 years of age it is adviciable to hold the purchase of large dog.
Preventive measures for dog owners
According to Human Society of the United States resports spayed and neutered dogs are three times less like to bite. Thus is is highly essential for you to spay and neuter you dogs. Doing this will reduce their frequent aggressive tendency.
As a dog owner it is very important that you socialize your dog. If you socialize your dog well it will be much likely you will experience dog bite. Socializing you dog help boost it's confidence and reduce it's been nervours or frightened under normal circumstances.
So socialize your dog very well by introducing your dog to your member of family, other people, and experiences that could possibly course nervousness and fear biting in future. Do this and make it feel at ease with people and other dogs.
Dog training will also help you in preventing dog bite. You have to learn proper training techniques by attending dog training class. Attending these classes will help you socialize your dog. Train your dog to respond to some basic comands such as "stay, "leave it" and "come". Also train you dog to drop his toys on command . If you don't do this you will have to retrieve it from his mouth. Thus taking risk of your finger been bitten.
Teach your dog acceptable behaviors by enrolling in an obediece class. Attending this class you dog will be trained to be submissive and respect your leadership in the house. Games like "tug of war", "wresling","siccing the dog on another person" should not be avoided as it encourages aggression.
For continuation of this article and other interested advice on dog bite prevention Visit http://www.dog-bite-prevention.com
About the author: Editor and publisher of Dog Bite Prevention newsletter at www.dog-bite-prevention.com
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