HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY When it comes to how likely it is that a dog will bite, size doesn't matter. According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, what does matter is how an animal is trained, its level of socialization and the perceived threat. Michelle Lebb's dogs Pepper (left, 45 pounds) and Aki (15 pounds) are graduates of obedience classes that help owners maintain control of their dogs, who learn appropriate behavior. These dogs appeared in the society's "2005 Pets in Paradise" calendar.

Neutered dogs less
likely to be hostile

With recent news of dogs attacking people, it's time to dispel a popular urban myth that breed and size are good indicators of a dog's likelihood to attack. A 5-pound Chihuahua can be just as vicious or tame as a 50-pound Rottweiler. How the animal was trained, level of socialization, perceived threats and a person's reaction to a dog's warning signs are much stronger indicators of whether a dog will bite.

Resources » The Hawaiian Humane Society offers a free, 45-minute "Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention Program" for businesses and organizations. The workshop explains how to avoid dog bites, covers dog behaviors and teaches how to properly and safely respond. Call 356-2222. » The society's Web site, www.hawaiianhumane.org, offers advice on training your dog (click on "Pet Care & Advice"), a preview of the "Mr. Bugs Dog Bite" program and the benefits of sterilizing your pet (for either, click on "Other Programs & Services").

An owner is by far the most important and influential figure in a dog's behavior. Taking a proactive role in a dog's life to properly train and tend to its needs can significantly reduce the likelihood that it will bite.

The good news is that there are far more responsible and caring dog owners in the community than not. The Hawaiian Humane Society investigated 308 cases of dog bites last year, a relatively small number considering there are an estimated 210,000 owned dogs on Oahu and a human population of nearly 1 million.

Having dogs sterilized can help decrease a tendency to be overly territorial and aggressive, and will reduce a desire to roam and start fights with other dogs. Un-neutered males that are tied or confined to small quarters are most likely to be hostile when they perceive a threat.

Pet owners play a major role in how their dog behaves. Dog owners should encourage socialization as early as possible so puppies become accustomed to the sights, sounds and actions of a variety of people. Experiencing new things will reduce the chances that they attack out of fear. It will teach them to be secure and confident in new situations.

"A crowded room, loud noises and other animals can scare a dog and put him on the defensive," said Marty Hutchins, animal behavior coordinator at the humane society. "By introducing these types of conditions to him early, he'll grow up knowing that people at the park or people walking their dogs aren't a threat."

OBEDIENCE TRAINING helps owners to maintain control of their dog and provides opportunities for dogs to mingle with people and learn appropriate behavior and interaction.

At home, games that involve aggressive horseplay, such as allowing the dog to chase or bite family members, can lead to problems. Even though it could seem like fun and games, a dog might not be able to tell the difference in normal situations and could inadvertently cross the line.

Your canine companion should always be on leash if it is off your private property. And your yard should be escape-proof.

Dog bites can result in $500 fines. And if the dog is deemed dangerous by a judge, that fine can be as high as $2,000 and might include up to 30 days in jail for the owner. Dog bites should be reported to the police department.