[ PET OHANA ]
Behavioral knowledge
helps keep man’s best
friend friendly
Do you know how to react if a dog growls at you as you approach a neighbor's home? What would you do if a dog began chasing you while you were riding your bike? If you give the wrong signals, almost any dog could react aggressively. That's why understanding dog behavior is important.
It is National Dog Bite Prevention week, so it's time to talk about some tips that could help create happy, tail-wagging endings to certain situations in which man meets dog.
Several serious dog bite cases were in the news recently. Last year on Oahu, there were 193 dog-bite cases reported to the Hawaiian Humane Society. Most dog-bite incidents could be prevented with four simple steps:
1) Be a responsible dog owner. All dog owners are responsible for properly socializing their pets. They should understand what might cause their dog to bite, and learn how to avoid this result. The humane society provides brochures to assist with training.
The dog most likely to bite is an unneutered male who is tied up or confined in one small area with little attention from his human family. This situation is created by the dog's owner, not the dog. If you have not welcomed your canine as a loving member of your family, take steps now to socialize him. Training and social contact with other people and dogs is easy to arrange, sterilization is affordable through the City & County of Honolulu's Neuter Now program, and exercise is free and fun for both the dog and his owner.
2) Increase your understanding of dog behavior. It is the nature of dogs to defend themselves, their pack (human family) and their territory. A dog might react aggressively when he perceives danger. The size and breed of the dog has very little to do with how a dog will react when he feels frightened or threatened.
Looking a dog in the eye, towering over the animal, yelling, sudden movements and an outstretched arm are all threatening signals. When people learn to understand canine behavior, they can avoid inadvertently triggering instinctive defense mechanisms.
Children, especially the very young, should be taught to avoid making these intimidating movements and noises around dogs. Teach kids never to approach a strange dog unless they ask the owner first if they can pet him.
3) Be aware of a few preventive measures. The Hawaiian Humane Society has developed the Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention Program to explain various dog behaviors and teach people how to respond safely. Delivery people and others who work door-to-door, as well as community organizations and school groups can benefit from this free workshop. The 45-minute program consists of a presentation, a short video, a workbook and time for questions and discussion.
Humane Society President Pamela Burns said, "The Mr. Bugs program is a valuable learning tool. People can learn to avoid triggering natural instincts in unfamiliar dogs, and how to understand dog body language so they respond safely."
"It is natural for dogs to be protective of their owners and homes," said Burns. "This instinct creates passionate pets and loyal companions. Yet, when a dog feels threatened, he may react aggressively. The Mr. Bugs program is one more way the Humane Society is helping people and dogs live together in harmony."
The Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention program was developed by the humane society with a donation from Larry and Patricia Rodriguez in honor of their dog, Mr. Bugs, who chose his friends carefully. The highly regarded program has been used by the police in New York City to train their officers. Schedule a Mr. Bugs workshop for your group by calling 946-2187, ext. 222.
4) Know what to do when threatened by a dog. There are some basic rules to remember if you are chased or threatened by a dog. Stop, do not run, do not panic, do not stare into the dog's eyes, face sideways and firmly tell the dog to "sit" and "go home." If you can, put an obstacle (bicycle, surfboard, purse) between you and the dog, and slowly back away to safety.
If a dog attacks you, stop moving and let the dog bite any soft object you happen to have with you -- a backpack, jacket or purse. Shake and pull the object while the dog is gripping it and slowly back away sideways toward safety. Once you near a safe place, let the dog have the object.
If you do not have something for the dog to grab, stand quietly and put your hands in fists around your head and neck for protection. Move slowly toward safety while facing sideways to the dog.
If the dog knocks you down, lie quietly in the fetal position with your hands in fists around your head and neck. Remain in this defensive posture until the dog goes away or someone comes to your rescue.
If you are chased while jogging or bicycling, stop immediately. Put the bicycle between you and the dog, assume the sideways posture and back away slowly.
If confronted by an unfamiliar dog:
» Stop. Don't yell or panic.
» Do not stare at the dog.
» Stay calm, stand still, let the dog lose interest in you.
» Face sideways and quietly talk to the dog.
» If you can, put an obstacle (bicycle, surfboard, purse) between you and the dog.
» Slowly back away to safety.
Canine body language
There are four basic types of dog behavior -- playful, submissive/fearful, aggressive and prey drive:
» A playful dog may jump up, bark and run around, but he is unlikely to bite.
» A submissive or fearful dog may not appear hostile, but he may well bite someone who comes too close or makes him feel cornered.
» An aggressive dog often appears tense and may growl or snarl, a warning that he could bite.
» A dog exhibiting prey-drive behavior is likely to chase any moving object, following with eyes, its body lowered, stalking with a slow wagging tail. The potential for biting is high in the prey-drive situation.
Dogs most likely to bite:
» Unneutered male
» Tied up or confined to small area
» Not properly socialized
» Protecting his home or familyTo report dog bites, call the Honolulu Police Department at 911 to report the bite, then call the Hawaiian Humane Society at 946-2187, ext. 280, and advise them if the dog is still running loose.
To schedule a Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention workshop, call the humane society at ext. 222.
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