Here are a Few Tips on How to Avoid Dog Bites

?    Never approach a strange dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car.

?    Don't pet a dog — even your own — without letting him see, hear and sniff you first.

?    Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.

?    Don't disturb a dog while it's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies.

?    Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog sees you as an intruder or potential threat.

?    If a dog approaches to sniff you – stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you're not a threat. Do not make direct eye contact.

?    If you encounter a potentially aggressive dog, never scream and run.

?    Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.

?    Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect. Because children are the most frequent victims of dog bites, parents and caregivers should:

-         Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

-         Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.

-         Teach young children, including toddlers, to be careful around pets.

-         Children should be taught not to approach strange dogs, and they should always ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog