Preventing Dog Attacks

Dogs attacking little kids are in the news again. It seems Iowa has had a rash of dog maulings lately. This isn't a good subject for people to discuss because children are involved and the outcomes aren't all that appealing to consider. But preventing dog attacks is an important consideration for those owners warehousing breeds labeled as vicious. You know the breeds and you why you want that vicious dog as a pet. I don't think we need to go over the psychology of the pet owner. This next blog link by Nicole Paseka has a pretty good list of six things to consider on handling dogs.

Some suggestions by Nicole Paseka about preventing dog attacks.

Tips on handling dogs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites every year - and that half of them are children. Of the injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department, and about 16 die. Injuries related to dog bites are most common among children ages 5 to 9 years, according to the CDC. The CDC says dog owners should take these steps:

• Spay or neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
  
  
• Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
• Don't play aggressive games, such as wrestling.
• Properly socialize and train any dog, teaching submissive behaviors such as rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling.
• Immediately seek professional advice (from veterinarians, animal behaviorists or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
• Teach children to not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

Pit Bulls Attack Akron Child
KMEG 14
According to the Plymouth County Sheriff, ten-year-old Breanna Buenger was mauled by two ten-month-old pit bulls while playing in the yard Wednesday afternoon. Buenger suffered several bites and puncture wounds to her head and neck before freeing ...

IA: Hopkinton grieves girl's death after dog attack | Canine Chat ...
Injuries related to dog bites are most common among children ages 5 to 9 ... Hopkinton, IA - A 3 yr-old girl, Vanessa Husmann, was fatally mauled by two ...