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Yesterday, a reporter was bitten by Barney, the first dog, at the White House. The HSUS's Adam Goldfarb gave his take on the incident, telling CNN:
"I think what happened is two things were going on—one is that nobody was picking up on the dog's stress. Watching the video, the dog's posture was very tense. Which is a sign that he was stressed out in the situation. The other thing the reporter did wrong was the way he approached Barney. He approached very quickly, and from above. His hand came downward from up high. And that can be very frightening for a dog, especially a small one."
Each year, about 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs—80 percent of them by familiar canines—and it's estimated that more than half of those victims are less than 13 years old. Children are at least three times more likely than adults to sustain a serious dog bite.
The good news is that most bites to adults and children alike can be prevented. Follow our simple steps and learn the right way to approach a dog.
How to Approach
Even the friendliest dogs can be uncomfortable meeting people. Children especially tend to get excited around dogs and can approach dogs talking loudly with quick movements. Children may even try to hug the animal. Any one of these actions can easily result in a bite.
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Reading Canine
Body Language |
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Learning to understand dogs' body language is another important way to avoid getting bit. It is especially important to teach children that animals use body language to tell us how they feel. When a dog is angry or fearful, she is likely to bite, and should never be approached.
Learn to look for the signs:
 An angry dog may try to make herself look big: ears standing up, the fur on her back standing on end, and tail straight up (it may be wagging). She may bare her teeth and growl, and stare straight at whoever is approaching.
A frightened dog behaves differently, and might shrink to the ground, put his tail between his legs and fold his ears back.
A happy dog will have a very loose body whose whole butt wiggles when he wags his tail. |
The simple rules for meeting a dog:
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Before you or your child pets someone's dog, ask the dog's guardian for permission.
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If it's OK, approach slowly and quietly.
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Once you have permission to pet a dog, slowly bring your hand towards the dog from the side, not above. Keep your fist closed and let the dog sniff your hand first. Then pet the dog's sides or back gently.
When to Avoid Saying Hello
- Never sneak up on or pet a dog who is eating or sleeping. Animals can bite when they're startled or frightened.
- Never pet a dog who is playing with a toy. Dogs are often protective of toys, and may think a you or your child are trying to take it.
- Never try to pet a dog who is in a car. Dogs will often protect that space.
- Never pet a dog who is chained up or behind a fence. Most dogs naturally protect their property and home.
Unknown Dogs
Although most people, and children in particular, will often interact with their family's and neighbors' dogs, they need to know what to do should they encounter an unknown dog, especially if that dog is off-leash and without a caregiver. It's best to avoid such dogs, and to not make direct eye contact with them and slowly and quietly walk away.
If a strange dog approaches, you should follow these tips:
- If you are walking, stop and stand still (like a tree) with your hands at your side.
- If you are playing on the ground, lie still on the ground (like a log) with your knees tucked into your stomach and your hands over your ears. When you stay still and quiet like this, the dog will most likely just sniff you and go away.
- Never, ever try to outrun a dog. Back away slowly from him instead.
