Dog Bite Prevention Tips

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is April 14-20.

The Victims
Last year, many attacks reported by letter carriers came from dog owners who regularly used the phrase, "My dog won't bite."
 
How to Avoid Being Bitten

• Don't run past a dog whose natural instinct is to charge people who run.
• If a dog threatens you, don't scream. Avoid eye contact. Try to remain still until the dog leaves, and then slowly back away until the dog is out of sight.
• Don't approach a strange dog, especially one that's tethered or confined.
• While letter carriers are discouraged from petting animals, people who choose to pet a dog always should let a dog see and sniff them before petting the animal.
• If a dog is about to attack, try to place something like a satchel, backpack, or bicycle between yourself and the dog.

How to be a Responsible Dog Owner
Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dog in any situation. When a letter carrier comes to the home, keep dogs:

• Inside the house or behind a fence
• Away from the door 
• In another room, or
• On a leash.

Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of letter carriers as a threat.

Take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.

Dogs that haven't been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods may become biters.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a registered trademark of the American Veterinary Medical Association.