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Dogs may be man’s best friend, but when it comes to injuries and lawsuits, they can be anything but. While you can’t guarantee you’ll never have a less-than casual run-in with a less-than friendly canine, there are several things you can do to lower your chances of becoming Fido’s next person of interest:
Identify body language
Unlike some people, dogs are usually pretty obvious about not liking you. You can help avoid a potentially disastrous confrontation by learning some of the tell-tale signs of canine aggression. These include a tense body, concentrated stare and excessive tongue flicking. You might also notice the dog’s ears are pulled back from the head and the tail is stiff. This can mean the dog is feeling threatened. Back away from the dog slowly and avoid turning and running.
Don’t turn around
Those fight or flight instincts can be a little overwhelming if you’re confronted with a disgruntled canine. But it’s best to resist the urge to turn and run from a threatening dog. That’s because, in dog language, you’re telling the pooch to chase you and, inevitably, catch you. And you don’t want to be caught by a disgruntled dog. Instead, stand still and avoid eye contact until you can safely (and slowly) back away.
Ask before petting
Some people, especially children, are tempted to reach out and pet any dog that crosses their path. If you happen to be out and about and encounter a dog you don’t know, resist the urge to touch it. If you have a child with you, put yourself between the dog and the child and ask the owner if the dog is friendly. Even if it won’t bite, some dogs will bark and frighten children when they attempt to interact. Getting the owner’s permission beforehand will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations.
Don’t wake the pooch
You know what they say about sleeping dogs. Well, they say it with good reason. Waking a sleeping dog can put you in a potentially hazardous situation if the canine wakes up startled, frightened or disoriented. Instead, practice the golden rule and let the dog get his rest — that’s what you would want, right?
Be extra careful around moms
That maternal instinct is pretty strong in dogs, and females can get aggressive when their puppies are on the line. Avoid grabbing or handling the puppies of an unfamiliar dog, as this can make the mother feel threatened and may cause her to react violently. If your own dog has puppies, be careful about letting children (both your own and others) handle the puppies without your supervision.
Know what to do if you’re bitten
Sometimes, dog bites are unavoidable. If you're bitten by a dog, get medical attention immediately. Once you have received proper medical care, report the incident to your local animal control service. Be sure to include all the details of the incident, including your location and an accurate description of the dog. Once you’ve reported the incident, call a personal injury attorney that specializes in dog bite cases. Your attorney will help to determine if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, calculate bite-related expenses, negotiate with insurance companies and if necessary file insurance claims and/or a lawsuit.
