Sunday, May 18

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

I've been told by the humans that today kicks off National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Should I be offended? I hardly think my puppy bites can be counted toward the 4.7 million people a year who are bitten by dogs, but maybe I'm wrong. I certainly mean no harm to my humans; I only want to play with them.

Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some tips on preventing dog bites that I wish everyone, not just children, would observe. Here are a few:
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. (You wouldn't approach a strange human and try to pet them, would you?)
  • Do not run from a dog and scream. (Seriously. This is not only annoying, but also embarrassing.)
  • Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog. (Yes, let me sniff you to my heart's content.)
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still. (This is good for a laugh.)
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. (We all know staring is impolite.)
  • Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. (But it's okay if we do this to you.)
Happy National Dog Bite Prevention Week!

2 comments:

4xBs said...

those are good reminders. we dogs get blamed when we bite humans, but most of the time it's the human's fault. humans need to be educated on how to understand us.

woofs.

Dixie said...

One may laugh at these seemingly obvious tips - but i do see this mistakes being made too often - even by humans who know the rules.

Yes, i DO like running and screaming children :-) They are real fun to chase!

On the other hand, today i was sitting at a cafe in a busy street, and a man walked by and did pat me on hy head and went away. I just ignored him - my humans did not believe what they saw... He had luck that i support the Dog Bite Prevention campaign :-)

Happy Woofs,
Dixie from over the pond