How to Prevent a Dog Bite

Just as new 'dangerous' and 'potentially dangerous' dog regulations go into effect in Royal Oak, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is offering tips to help reduce the number of dog bites.

In Royal Oak, 26 people reported being bitten by dogs last year, according to Deputy Chief Gordie Young, including two postal workers. Detroit ranks sixth in the nation with 33 postal workers reporting being attacked by dogs, according to the U.S. Postal Service.

“Dogs are wonderful, intelligent and loyal creatures, but they depend on responsible owners to teach them how to behave around people,” said Dr. Douglas G. Aspros, president of the AVMA, in a press release. “Understanding how dogs behave and how to behave around dogs could save countless people from the serious physical and emotional consequences of a dog bite. The AVMA has a multitude of educational resources and experts available to help individuals and community groups understand how they can help prevent dog bites.”

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Next week, May 19-25, is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

With 70 million dogs living in U.S. households, every year millions of people – most of them children – are bitten by dogs. The majority of these bites, if not all, are preventable, according to the AVMA. 

The Royal Oak Post Office will host service talks for letter carriers during National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

"In the past we have had trainers come in with attack dogs and show us some techniques so we can understand how a dog's mind works," said John Dick, a Royal Oak letter carrier. "The main thing is don't run. You are not going to outrun a dog."

One of the tips Dick learned was to swing his satchel if a dog tries to attack.

"In a dog's mind the satchel is a part of my body, so if the dog grabs onto it he's happy," Dick said. 

In his 12 years of delivering mail, Dick has had dogs try to attack him approximately four times.

"Royal Oak is pretty good," he said. "People are pretty conscientious about their dogs."

Still, with the warmer weather, Dick reminds people leaving doors open to lock screen doors, which can be easily pushed open by dogs.

Here are some simple tips from the AVMA to prevent being bitten by a dog:

• Don’t run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.
• Never disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
• If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.
• If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don’t scream or yell. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don’t turn and run.
• If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

RELATED:

• Royal Oak's 'Dangerous Dog Rules' Go into Effect Today