This week May 18-24 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has banded together with other national agencies like the CDC and the AVMA to raise awareness of how to avoid dog bites. We chatted with Dr. Katherine Miller, the ASPCA’s Director of Animal Cruelty Behavior Research about the project.
“The fact is that people often assign a stigma to certain types of dogs, but what we know is that breed does not equal behavior. Breed is not a predominant factor when assessing dog bite statistics or aggression in dogs” Dr. Miller told us. Her philosophy is one that is trending thoughout the world of animal behavior is to evaluate each dog as an individual rather than making stereotypes based on breed. “Any dog, of any size or any breed, can bite” Dr. Miller added.
We asked Dr. Miller for some tips on puppy socialization and she shared these tips.
- The key socialization period for puppies starts at 7 weeks – talk with your veterinarian to determine what types of environments will be safe social venues.
- Be sure your young dog is exposed to people of all ages, kids, babies, seniors – people in uniform and people in involved in all types of activities.
- By socializing your dog in a variety of situations, they will be more likely to accept new situations and not be fearful. Fear and suspicion are perhaps the greatest motivations for biting.
- Have a puppy party in your home and invite invite friends and family and a friendly dog or two.
- Aside from health and medical care, socialization is critically important and to teach them what is normal and in their realm of expectation.
Not every family though will start off with a puppy. Thankfully, adoption rates in the US are increasing. If you are adopting a dog that is out of the puppy stage what are your best steps to ensure a safe assimilation period. For this situation or really a situation dealing with any dog Dr. Miller recommends:
- Explaining to your child that just like people, dogs have a personal space that should not be invaded. Think of it as a bubble around the pet.
- Never rush to greet the new dog, jump or hug the dog, instead invite to dog to come over to you. Even family pets can bite if they feel cornered or threatened.
- Provide a private space for the dog, a crate or a room where the pup will feel safe. Consider that area as strictly for the dog and no kids are allowed. This will provide a haven for the dog to retreat if he or she feels the need.
- Kids under the age of 10 should ALWAYS be supervised when with the dog – no exceptions!
Knowing your dog or in fact being able to read any dog’s body language is an essential skill for staying safe. Dr. Miller suggests looking at the dog as a whole – it may not be one specific feature that tips you off to fearfulness but seeing the entire picture of the dog’s composure. For example a wagging tail can mean happiness or possible aggression. Be aware of the how the dog is standing, if he is standing tall, ears forward or with his weight primarily on its hind legs – he may be ready to lunge or run away. Above all, Dr. Miller cautions “go with your gut – if something doesn’t feel right – there is probably a problem. Slowly back away from the dog and be ready to put something between you – and the dog. A jacket, a bicycle, even a newspaper could be the thing that the dog bites, instead of you.”
The vast majority of dogs are great with people and will never bite. But! Some dogs are different, if you have a dog that is really most comfortable at home then it is incumbent upon you as the pet parent to realize that their dog may not be a social being. Respecting that your dog is an individual and not forcing them into potentially stressful situations may be the greatest act of love that you can show your pet.
Dr. Miller has had dogs all of her life and was particularly inspired by two. Otto, and a pit mix named Newman who was adopted from the ASPCA and is pictured here with Dr. Miller.