Dog Bite Safety Tips | Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer

Important Facts about Dog Bites

• Most dog bites happen to children ages of 5-9. Boys are slightly more susceptible, statistically speaking.
• Individuals bitten by a dog usually know the dog that bites them.
• Most dog bites occur on the property where the dog lives.
• Elderly individuals and children are less likely to perceive the signals a dog is sending them; increased care should be used.

Stay Away from Unfamiliar Dogs, Including:

• Groups of dogs
• An unsupervised dog
• A dog roaming freely
• An unleashed dog
• A dog normally kept on a rope or chain
• A dog that is mid-sized or larger

Always Exercise these Precautions:

• Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
• Assume that a dog who doesn't know you--and even some that do--may see you as a threat.
• Before petting someone else's dog, ask the owner.
• When petting a dog--even your own--let it see and sniff you first.
• Let dogs sniff the back of your hand.
• After receiving permission to pet a dog, pet under its chin or on its chest, not on top of its head.
• Keep a respectable distance between your face and the teeth of a dog, even if it is the family pet. Especially important for children.
• Remain calm in the presence of a dog and it will usually remain calm, too.
• Do not scream, shout, run or swing your arms or feet around dogs.
• Do not tease or annoy dogs.
• Do not run past or from dogs; they innately love to chase.
• Do not disturb dogs that are sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy or caring for puppies.

Children and Dogs

• Children's natural behaviors--including running, yelling and grabbing--put them at higher risk for dog bites.
• Do not EVER leave a baby or small child alone with a dog, including the family pet.
• Do not let a child play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Children should first ask their parent for permission to pet someone else's dog, and then ask the owner for permission as well.
• Shy or nervous dogs can become even more agitated by children.
• Teach children from a young age to be careful around pets.
• Children should know to report a dog bite to an adult immediately.

When a Dog Appears Threatening

• Avoid eye contact.
• Remain motionless with your hands at your sides and avoid eye contact with the dog.
• If the dog approaches, stay still and let it sniff you.
• Once the dog loses interest, still not making eye contact, slowly back away until it is out of sight.
• Report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to local authorities.

Defend Yourself from an Attack

• "Feed" it your coat, bag, bike or anything that you can put between you and the dog.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
• Immediately report the attack to local authorities.