Prevent a Bite

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Dog attacks on other animals, children, adults have highlighted certain aspect of owning or approaching a dog. Dogs by nature are social creatures, craving the company of people or other dogs. Everything a dog can touch, taste or vocalize is done with its mouth. A dog eats, plays, feels, growls, bites and barks with its mouth. A dog’s mouth and teeth are like our hands when it comes to communicating. If you are hurting the dog or puppy it cannot tell you verbally “you are hurting me” it will growl or bite , it cannot tell you to “leave me alone I am tired” it can only growl or bite. Whilst dogs body language is a universal language and dogs understand each other.

Over the thousands of years we have domesticated the dog, we still don’t understand or don’t bother trying to read what the dog is telling us. Adults MUST keep in mind that the family pet is a living breathing, feeling animal and must be respected and appreciated as such. This is NOT a toy for the children to play with, adults should remember that while the dog will be a good companion, children can be cruel and cause the dog suffering without the child being aware of it. If the children need something to play with in the yard, then why not go to the toy shop Most dog bites occur with the children are having a game in the yard with the dog. Babies & Children under 12 years of age should NEVER be left alone in the yard or house with the family dog.

Owning a dog is NOT a right, but a privilege and an enormous responsibility for often 10 to 15 years. Dog owners have an obligation and responsibility to teach their children and also the family pet what is expected of them. Adults MUST NOT assume that their child or family pet already knows. The owners obligations and responsibilities are not just to take care of the health and welfare of the family pet but also to take care of the education and physical training, care and love of the dog.

Educating the dog will result in a well adjusted pet. Educating the children will teach them more respect for another living breathing creature which will produce a great, loyal and faithful companion and guardian for the children

To be a Responsible Pet owner you will:

• socialize the puppy during the first 4 months of its’ life.
• have the puppy vaccinated regularly
• regularly worm the puppy for intestinal worm
• have identification on the dogs collar, microchip and keep the number in a safe place
• train the puppy at a reputable training center
• have the puppy de-sexed if you are NOT a registered breeder.
• NOT have the family pet attack trained.
• NOT Challenge any strange dog with eye contact
• NOT Leave children or babies under 12 years alone with the dog
• NOT allow children to tease the dog with food or toys
• NOT allow the dog on furniture, beds etc unless invited
• NOT leave babies on rugs or in bassinets alone with the dog
• NOT allow the dog to menace people or dogs at the fence line
• NOT play tug o war games with the dog
• NOT play hand or foot games
• NOT allow the dog to attack strangers
• NOT allow the dog out of the property without being on lead with a person over 16 years of age

For any other information regarding help with an aggressive dog, or details of our courses, please contact our centre on (07) 3426 9928

Email rfox@rspcaqld.org.au.