Q.: What do you think of the breed specific legislation that blame a whole breed for the action of a few dogs? Do you think it is fair to say that all pit bulls, rottweilers, chows, German shepherds, and dobermans are vicious and should be overly regulated or banned? What have you learned about dog behavior from your years in practice? What are your thoughts on how to deal with dog attacks/ dog bites? What has your experience taught you about the importance of training and socialization, and how owners deal with their pets? Doesn?t it seem more likely that training and socialization is more important in how a dog behaves than breed? – Elana
A.: Dog behavior can be a very complex subject. In my experience, it is more often the way the dog was raised and trained that causes the problem behavior. I have seen dogs of every breed that were well behaved and gentle. I have also seen almost any breed capable of biting. All breeds of dogs have large, sharp teeth and they can almost all be provoked into using them. To try and exclude certain breeds would not be the answer to the problem.
When puppies are raised in good environments with lots of social interaction and training they have a much better chance of growing up to be model canine good citizens.
Many well-meaning owners never take their dog to puppy socialization classes or puppy day care, and the puppy doesn?t get exposed to normal interactions with all kinds of stimuli. Most dogs never complete a dog obedience training class.
On the human side, I feel that most bites could have been prevented. I would like to see dog bite prevention classes taught in schools and communities. The American Veterinary Medical Association, ASPCA, and American Humane Association have programs on Dog Bite Prevention that are readily available to help teach people safe dog handling and training skills.
Simple bite prevention tips include:
- Teaching children not to approach or pet a strange dog.
- Don?t stare at a dog or look them in the eye.
- Don?t scream and run away from a dog, as this may incite the ?injured prey response? from the dog, causing him to chase or bite you. It is best to stand still and ignore the dog or roll up and lay very still on the ground.
- When you find yourself near a strange dog: stay calm, relax, talk quietly, walk slowly, keep your eyes down, and slowly move away.
- Do not attempt to touch or go near a dog while it is eating.
- Do not touch a sleeping dog or a mother dog with puppies.
- Do not approach a dog that is on its own property, as many will protect and defend their territory.
- Sick, injured, or elderly dogs are more likely to be grumpy or short tempered; stay away from them.
- Never try to hug a strange dog.
- Attend a dog bite prevention class.
- Always have your dog spayed or neutered.
- Do not encourage rough or aggressive play with your dog.
- Always ask for permission before petting someone else?s dog.
- Never try to pet a dog that is in a cage, kennel, crate, or bed.
Yes, Elana, it really helps when puppies receive proper socialization with other animals and humans from birth. They have a better chance of growing up to be dogs that are confident and loving with other people, animals, and strange situations. It also helps to socialize children to dogs at an early age and teach them respectful and confident behavior when they are around dogs.
Please share this information with your friends and family and help encourage safe and responsible dog ownership.
Dr. Baker
Dr. Susan Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Read more articles by Dr. Baker | Ask her a question
Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2013/09/26/most-dog-bites-are-preventable-see-these-tips/
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