Rabies - Preventing Bites
- Neuter or spay your dog. Sterilization will help reduce aggression and prevent unwanted puppies.
- Across all categories of dogs, unneutered male dogs under age five years have the highest bite rates. Spayed female dogs are generally best for homes with children.
- Before selecting your pet, thoroughly research the breed and the sellers. Avoid "puppy mills" and be wary of some newspaper advertisements. See both parents of the dogs, if possible to check for disposition of health.
- Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Certain breeds have specific exercise needs or may display strong guardian and hunting instincts that need to be channeled.
- Socialize with your pet. If possible, obtain a puppy when it is seven or eight weeks old. The dog will form a strong bond to humans at this age rather than to litter-mates ot other dogs. Once immunized, introduce your puppy to as many people and situations as possible.
- Train your dog. Start early by taking your dog to puppy kindergarten. At four months, begin obedience classes that teach basic commands.
- Set firm limits on acceptable behavior. Do not engage in rough play such as tug-of-war, wrestling, or "play-attacks". Never tolerate growling or nipping, even from very young puppies.
- Keep your dog on a leash when in public. Regularly exercise your pet...leaving him confined in a kennel or on a chain for long periods of time may create behavioral problems.
- Never leave a dog unsupervised with an infant or child under six years of age.
- Never approach or pet an unfamiliar dog, no matter how friendly he looks. Many dogs attack without warning.
- Don't let a child take mail from the courier in front of a dog... his instinct may be to "protect" the family and bite the "intruder".
- If two dogs attack each other, don't try to separate them yourself. Use a garden hose or broom to break up the fight.
- Exercise caution when jogging past a strange dog who may give chase or attack.
- Do not disturb a dog who is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies. Even the most trustworthy dog may react instinctively by growling or biting.
Protecting Your Family & Pets Factsheet
Last Revised/Reviewed
Thursday, 2010-08-12 9:38 AM