Even the most well-trained dog can bite a person if it feels provoked, agitated, cornered or frightened. When such a thing occurs, the animal owner can be held liable. Each state has certain dog bite regulations. Generally, before an animal or its owner is held liable for a biting accident, the circumstances surrounding a case are assessed. There are situations wherein dogs and their owners aren’t held liable, such as when the canine was provoked or when the person bitten was a trespasser. Still, it won’t hurt people to be more cautious around dogs, especially if they do not know the animal. Here are some tips to enhance safety when near canines.
Dog Safety and Children
Children are very vulnerable to dog bite accidents. They are sometimes too young to notice that the animals that they want to play with are becoming increasingly agitated around them. In other words, young kids do not even know that their actions are already aggravating to dogs. Therefore, it is very important for parents or guardians to educate children about dogs. These aren’t cuddly stuffed toys. These animals have claws and fangs that can easily injure someone, especially a child. Furthermore, because of their size, kids can be seen by dogs as prey. There are times when an animal’s instinct just kicks in, and it can pursue and pounce on a defenseless child. Thus, people should never leave young kids and babies with dogs even for just a few seconds. Anything can happen in a short span of time.
Approaching a Dog
Instruct a child to never approach a dog even if he knows it. If he wants to pet the dog, he must ask permission from its owner first. It is not a good idea to come near a dog when its owner is not around. Parents should also instruct their kids to never tease, hit, or provoke a dog in any manner as this can make an animal very aggressive. Children must never reach in between fences or gates to pet dogs as well, even though these animals have been their friends or neighbors for many years. In case a child sees an injured dog, he must not rush over to help it. He must call an adult for help. It is also not a good idea to come near or play with strays. Strays could carry rabies and other harmful diseases, and they could feel provoked if someone goes near them. In case an unknown dog approaches a child, he should remain calm. Running or screaming will only make a dog more excited.
Dealing with a Menacing Dog
Parents must educate their child as regards what to do in case they are approached by a menacing dog. As mentioned, running is not a good idea. This will only agitate a dog even more, and a child could suffer more serious injuries once the dog catches up with him. Screaming and making loud noises also provoke canines even more. So, how does one deal with a scary dog? For one, it’s best to stay perfectly still, and do not make eye contact. In case the dog knocks the child onto the ground, the child must lay still. He should make sure to protect his head, neck, and face. Curling up in the fetal position is a good idea. Most dogs will not continue their attack when their prey is no longer moving. If the dog is trying to bite him, the child can give the dog other things to bite, like his hat or bag.
Reporting a Scary Dog
A child must always tell his parents or guardians about scary dogs. Any biting incident must be reported to grown-ups so that wounds or scratches are properly dealt with. When a kid notices a particular dog that’s always growling or barking at him in a threatening manner, he must report this to adults as well since the dog’s reaction to him could escalate into something worse.
Citations:
- Photo entitled “Anxious Dog” at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Claire Waltham is a freelance writer who regularly contributes articles to respected legal websites. She specializes in personal injury topics, and she writes for a Santa Monica, CA personal injury attorney too.
