BITE PREVENTION

We must teach and educate our children how to properly interact with dogs. Education is the key to bite prevention!

Recently in the media, specifically by one reporter from the Toronto Sun, believers of the above statement have taken some flack. So we're taking a small bit of opportunity to both defend our belief and to help educate anyone who reads this page.

We spend many of our early teachings with our children teaching them right from wrong, safe from unsafe and all the do's and do not's. We teach our children how to cross the road safely, not to talk to strangers, and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Why shouldn't we teach them how to approach dogs in general?

Considering the Canadian Safety Council estimates that in 70% of dog bite cases the victim knew the dog, and of that 25% lived in the house with the offending dog.

Parents MUST teach their children, of all ages, how to respect their own family dog, and how to approach a strange dog.

HELPFUL HINTS TO REMEMBER AS PARENTS AND TEACH YOUR CHILD

NEVER pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first.

Dog WITH Owner
Children must always ASK PERMISSION from the owner and their parents BEFORE petting any dog.

If the owner CANNOT control the dog and have it SIT nicely for the child to pet, SAY THANK YOU AND WALK AWAY

Dogs in their own yard
NEVER approach a dog who is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain.

NEVER TEASE any dog by poking at them through fences or car windows or reaching your arm through to pet them.

Dogs WITHOUT an owner
NEVER approach a dog you don't know or a dog who is alone without his owner.

NEVER RUN away from any dog chasing. STOP, STAND STILL, REMAIN CALM, ARMS AT YOUR SIDES, DO NOT SCREAM, AND WALK AWAY SLOWLY FACING THE DOG BUT NOT STARING AT THEM

If a dog attacks, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything else that you can get between you and the dog.

If you are attacked, STOP, CURL UP IN A BALL LIKE A TURTLE, COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR ARMS AND HANDS

For more information from the DLCC Dog Bite Safety Director, please contact:
Pierre Schelling
Animal Protection Officer NB SPCA
16 Conway
Edmundston, NB
E3V 1Z1
Pierre Schelling
Telephone: 506-739-2100 or 506-737-0228

Links:
Cat & Jack K9 Safety

Dog Gone Safe

Toronto Ontario Animal Services Children and Dogs

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

Canada Safety Council

CHIRPP ( Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program) - Injuries associated with dog bites and dog attacks

Good Pooch