10 Tips to Avoid Dog Bites

Thanks to trust and strong bonds, it is possible to manipulate our dog. Nevertheless, it is a very common error to suppose that any dog ​​will tolerate things the same as our own. If you are a volunteer from an animal shelter or have stayed to meet your best friend's dog, keep this advice in mind.

Many dog ​​bites could be avoided if attention is paid to the owner's directions. How many times have we told someone not to do something but they end up doing it? If the owner asks you not to give their pet food or to not excite him, it is for some reason. And remember, even if it is unrelated to aggressiveness, one action of yours can undo weeks of training.

This is not a general rule, since many dogs are well associated with this type of affection that they accept it without problems. Hugs and kisses are signs of love and affection that humans and even apes use, but they are invasive and even aggressive for most dogs.

Hugs and kisses on the dog's face are among the main causes of marking and biting, especially if accompanied by dog ​​immobilization. The best way to show affection to the dog, especially an unknown dog, is to scratch their chest or the sides of the neck.

Except in specially temperate dogs, hyperexcitation causes a dog to decrease their self-control significantly. Because of this, it is likely that if we allow play biting and them to get overexcited, we may be the victim of a bite.

If you are holding a dog that is reacting violently or you are close to them, be careful and never use your leg (or any part of your body) to stop them. This could cause them to redirect their bite to some area of ​​your body.

The best thing to do if you are walking is to hold them firmly (without confining) at a safe distance from your body, tied on a short leash if necessary. On the contrary, if the dog is untied the best thing will be to stop the episode with a water hose with some pressure.

Sometimes our own body language can be perceived negatively by a dog. Something as insignificant to us as blowing in their faces, staring at them for a long time, cornering or tilting our head can be perceived as threatening behavior. Avoid doing these.

While some calming signals are very easily confused, such as licking, backing, or yawning, others are easily identifiable. We are referring to baring teeth, grunting or barking. If a dog warns you, do not ignore them, stop doing whatever it is that is bothering them.

There are many dogs that suffer pain, discomfort or are simply not well used to handling. In these cases it is best to avoid touching certain parts of the body that can make them feel uncomfortable.

Some examples could be touching the hip of an old dog, putting your fingers in their mouth, ears or nose, pulling the tail or attempting to undo a hair knot. Especially if the dog is not yours, it is best to be as less invasive and predictable.

If you decide to annoy or mistreat a dog, especially an unfamiliar one, be prepared to receive a warning or, at worst, a considerable bite.

Dogs when faced with something unpleasant have two options: to run away, to stand still, to warn or to attack. And if they are dogs with little self-control, or have already bitten in the past, the answer will surely be the last. Avoid interrupting dogs when they are sleeping, feeding or protecting an object (toys, bone, etc.).

If a dog barks at you and shows signs of aggression, chances are you will only think of running away in a hurry. However, that is not always a good technique; the dog will always run faster than you!

In these cases it will be best to stand still, with your arms glued to your body and avoiding looking into their eyes. For most dogs this indicates that you are not a threat. When they stop grunting, it is time to start moving slowly, without looking at them and without turning your back.

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