GEORGE NEWS - Last week we published the medical intervention needed in case of a dog bite on page 25. This week ER24 tells us how to avoid a dog bite altogether.
According to Samantha Walpole, the secretary of Animal Behavioural Consultants of South Africa, children are most at risk of being bitten by dogs.
"Children are generally drawn to dogs. Wagging tails are attractive to children. Unfortunately, the public is ill informed that if a dog's tail is wagging, it means that it is happy and is safe to approach. This is far from the truth. Children are also taught that hugging and kissing is an acceptable form of affection. To human's it is, but canines perceive this as confrontational.
"Fundamentally, humans and dogs speak a different language. When communication is misunderstood, people get bitten," said Walpole, who is also a dog behaviourist and trainer.
Walpole said dog's that bite their owners, or anyone else, could have an underlying medical condition. The dog could also be pushed to a point where it has no choice or could feel that its life is threatened. Harsh and confrontational training methods could also be a contributing factor with regards to human-related dog aggression.
People should purchase dogs from reputable breeders to minimise the risk of being bitten.
"If you want to purchase a puppy, do your homework to match the right breed with your lifestyle. Join a reputable positive reinforcement socialisation school. There should be continued training to build a good bond between you and your dog. You should seek assistance immediately if there are any early signs that make you uncomfortable," said Walpole.
Be respectful to your dog.
Research and learn how to 'speak dog'. There are a number of body signals that a dog displays to indicate that it is uncomfortable and needs space or that it likes what you are doing. By watching your dog's body language and understanding what your dog is saying, you are able to stop or change the reason for your dog feeling uncomfortable.
Learn what your dog likes and dislikes and respect these needs.
A dog should not be treated like a toy or tested to see how tolerant it is. Do not poke, push or sit on a dog or pull its tail.
Stop what you are doing if a dog shows discomfort. Signs of discomfort include when the dog turns its head away from you, when the dog yawns, flicks his tongue out of his mouth or licks his nose, when the dog's body freezes, when it moves away, lifts its lips or growls. Also stop what you are doing when the dog shows whale-eye (pronounced whites of the eye). This is often misunderstood as a 'guilty look' when it is actually an appeasement gesture in response to the stimulus.
Never corner a dog.
Do not reprimand a dog when it growls.
This is a language prior to a bite.
Growling means that a person should leave the dog alone.
If your dog bites someone, do not place
the dog in a similar situation. If necessary, temporarily confine the dog in a safe area with water and shelter. Immediately seek the assistance of a qualified trained professional.
Ensure the behaviourist has the correct credentials and is affiliated with a reputable organisation. Organisations such as Animal Behavioural Consultants of South Africa or COAPE SA can be contacted.
Walpole says that an unfamiliar dog should be ignored. "Do not encourage an unfamiliar dog to approach you. Quietly and calmly walk away. Do not turn your back on the dog but rather try to have your body facing sideways toward the dog," said Walpole.
If the dog approaches to attack you, do not scream, run away or turn your back on the dog. Do not make eye contact as this is often perceived as confrontational. Keep your hands close to your body and stand still until the dog has backed away or is preferably out of sight.
"If you have food on you, break it up into small pieces and underarm toss the food toward the dog's head. If the dog eats, continue to toss the food while slowly backing away to a safe place," said Walpole.
You can also place something such as a chair or backpack if available between you and the dog.
If you are unable to escape an attacking dog, place yourself in a foetal position with your head tucked toward your chest. Cover your head with your hands.
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