As the summer approaches and more people venture outside and into friends and neighbors’ backyards, the chances for dog bites and attacks increase.
To avoid a personal injury claim, it is important to be vigilant of possible dangers. Particularly in regard to dogs, there are a few things you can do to possibly thwart dog attacks.
Observe physical traits
One of the most critical aspects of dog bite prevention is recognizing the signs of a dog in distress. Some of the most common signs are:
- Excessive growling
- Showing of teeth
- Ears and tail sticking up
- Shaking
If you notice these signs, it may be a good idea to stop what you are doing and slowly move away from the dog. Quick movements may increase the chances of an attack. You may also try commanding the dog to stop or go to its owner in a deep, strong voice.
Control your emotions
As with many animals, dogs feed off the energy they feel. Therefore, if a human is nervous, a dog can sense it, and that can make the dog more anxious. Though facing an aggressive dog can be nerve-racking, staying calm may be your best bet to get away without injury.
Be informative
If you are responsible for minors, it is a good idea to talk to them about safety around dogs. Inform them of the proper way to approach a dog, as well as signs to look for that indicate it is not safe to be around a particular canine, and a safe way to move away. Even after speaking with the child, it is important to keep a watchful eye when a child is interacting with a dog. Should an injury occur, it can be beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable professional in regard to your options moving forward.
Though these tactics are not guaranteed to prevent an incident, implementing them may help to decrease the chances. Above all, being vigilant and interacting with a canine appropriately and with permission provide the greatest chances of a safe, friendly experience.