“Everyone, but especially children should learn some basics about dog behaviour and safety around dogs,” said the Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd.
When dogs may bite
- When they feel threatened or afraid.
- When they are being teased.
- When they are protecting their territory, food, toys, family or pups.
- When they do not know the person.
- When they have been trained to be aggressive.
- When they are in pain or irritated.
How to tell when a dog might bite
- The dog may stand stiff with the tail erect (the tail can wag back and forth very fast) and the hair may stand up.
- The dog may stare directly at you.
- The dog may growl, show its teeth or bark
What to do if you are threatened by a dog
- Stand very still and try and be calm – do not scream and run.
- Be aware where the dog is and do not turn your back on it and do not stare in the dogs eyes.
- If the dog comes up to sniff at you do not resist. In most cases the dog will go away when seeing that you are not a threat.
- If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
- If the dog does attack suddenly, ‘feed’ it your jacket, purse, bike – anything that may distract the dog and give the animal something to bite besides you.
- If you fall or are knocked down, curl into a ball with your arms and hands over your head and neck. Try not to scream or roll around.
What to do if you are bitten
- Children should tell their parents or guardians immediately.
- All bites should be reported to the local SAPS.
- If necessary, go to the hospital for treatment.
Remember that most dog bites are avoidable.
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