Dog Bite Prevention

Here are some tips to help you be safe around dogs, especially ones you don't know and who don't know you.

When meeting an dog on a leash with his owner:

• Ask the owner for permission to pet. "May I pet the dog, please?"
  
• Ask the dog for permission to pet. Bend your legs slightly so you don't tower over the dog. Offer the back of your hand with your fingers tucked under and allow the dog to sniff your hand.
  
• Pet the dog under the chin. Do not pet him on the top of the head because the dog may think you might hit him or are trying to control him.

  If a dog runs toward you in an aggressive manner:

• Stand still as a tree with your elbows in and hands covering your ears.
  
• If you are sitting on the ground, roll up like a log. Cover your ears with your hands cupped around them and keep your face toward the ground.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:

Tell a grown-up right away! There is no guarantee that you will not be bitten even if you do everything correctly. Always be careful.

Warning Signs that a Dog Might Bite:

• Stiff legs
  
• Barking
  
• Hair standing up on his back
  
• Snarling
  
• Ears laid back flat
  
• Tail up
  
• Growling
  
• Showing his teeth 
   

And always remember the following tips:

• Never look an aggressive animal directly in the eyes. To an animal, this is a challenge to fight.
  
• Always try to put something between your body and an aggresive animal. Your bicycle or your backpack would work.
  
• Do not disturb an animal that is sleeping, eating, playing with a toy, or caring for its babies.