by Suzyn Barron, President of Warwick Valley Humane Society, Inc.
Did you know it’s National Dog Bite Prevention Week? And that dogs don’t bite without warning? Although not in words, dogs try to tell us in a number of ways that they are uncomfortable with a situation. It’s up to us to not only learn the signs but to heed them. According to the Dog Geek at Beacon Dog Training, here are the signs to know:
~ Sniffing and/or scratching tells us that the dog is saying “I’ll act distracted, take the pressure off”
~ Licking lips, yawning, turning the head away, moving away slowly is the dog telling us “I’d really like to things to calm down”
~ Heavy panting, sweaty paws, trembling, big wide eyes, hackles up means “I’m getting really scared now”
~ Stiff posture, freezing, staring wide-eyed without blinking, mouth closed says “They’re not stopping, maybe I’ll have to defend myself”.
~ Snarling, growling, snapping the air, punching with nose is the dog pleading “please stop & go away, this is your last warning.”
~ Lunge, bite is the dog yelling “This is the only way to keep myself safe!”
Sometimes, some dogs skip a few warning signs and may jump to the last two on the list. Especially if they have any possession aggression with food, toys and/or people. Young children should not be expected to learn to recognize these signs and therefore, should never be left alone with a dog. Knowing your dog is key to keeping your dog and others safe.
Most everyone is aware to always ask permission of the dog owner before petting a dog. If the answer is no, respect that and let the dog be. But if the owner says it’s okay, it’s time to ask for the dog’s permission. Let the dog approach you. If it does, he/she is saying they want to meet you. But if he hangs back, respect he simply isn’t in the mood. Not all owners truly know their own dog, so let the dog have the final say. Turn your body slightly to the side and avoid direct eye contact which can be threatening to the dog. Allow the dog to sniff your closed hand first. Restrict your pats to the dog’s side, neck, back, or chest for petting and avoid reaching over the dog’s head which may frighten him. Always stay standing and never hug or restrain the dog in any way.
These dog language signs are also helpful around loose dogs. Be extremely cautious when you first encounter a loose dog. Let them come to you and keep your body language calm and non-threatening. The “Be a Tree” technique refers to standing still, with your arms tucked into your sides and your hands folded in front of you, while you look down. This is the safest posture for kids and adults around a loose dog.
Dog bites can be prevented by recognizing dog behavior postures and listening and respecting what the dog is trying to tell you.
Pet of the Week:
Adoption applications are available to download at wvhumane.org or call 845-986-2473 for more information on Izzy and her sisters.
