MARY JO NAGY | Pets Owners should take steps to keep dogs from biting

June is the month for National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that between 3 million and 4 million dog bites are reported yearly.
An estimated $100 million is spent on treating dog bite injuries in emergency rooms. Dog bites can range from a few nips to a fatal mauling. Children under age 10 are often the victims. In addition, the elderly and your mail carrier are frequent targets.
You may feel confident that your dog will never harm anyone, however, many dog bites come from dogs whose owners thought their dogs were safe.
There are many reasons why a dog may bite: poor genetic background (inbreeding), lack of socialization, improper or no training, abuse, pain, fear or excitement can contribute to a dog attack.
Whether a dog has been spayed or neutered may affect the degree of aggressiveness. Statistics show that unaltered dogs are up to three times more likely to bite than those that have been neutered.
One can never totally predict if a dog will or will not bite. There is the misconception that certain breeds, such as German shepherds, pit bull terriers, Dobermans and Rottweilers are prone to attack more than other breeds. A breed is not a predictor for dog bites, but the attitude of the owner is.
What's likely
Irresponsible and abusive owners increase the chances of their dogs' biting.
"A well-trained, neutered Rottweiler will probably make a much better pet than a poorly socialized dachshund," explained Randall Lockwood, vice-president of training initiatives for the HSUS.
"It is important to set limits with a larger dog because they cause more damage when they bite."
Obedience training and proper socialization are critical for larger breeds because bone-crushing jaw pressures are greater than those of small dogs.
So what can you do to prevent dog bites? The following tips can help reduce the likelihood of your dog's biting someone:
UAlways spay or neuter your pet.
UTake your pet to an obedience training class. It's a great place for your dog to learn acceptable behavior. Your dog can become properly socialized as well.
UMake your dog a part of the family. A socialized dog is a happy dog. Dogs that are chained to a doghouse all day and night in a back yard have a greater chance of developing behavioral problems. They tend to be neglected more than indoor pets and they bark frequently.
UDon't play challenging games such as wrestling or tug of war with aggressive animals. A dog should not be dominant with children and should not challenge your leadership. See a canine behavior specialist if you are observing these behaviors.
UAlways be a responsible owner. License and vaccinate your dog for rabies and distemper. Do not allow your dog to roam the neighborhood. Obey the leash laws.
UIf you do not know how your dog will react to new situations, be cautious. If your dog over-reacts to visitors, keep him in another room until he is accustomed to the situation. Keep in mind warning signs, such as growling, ear and tail positions and nipping. Be especially careful around small children.
UTeach children to never tease dogs. It is not appropriate to throw rocks at or hit dogs with sticks.
UAlways ask permission before you pet someone's dog.
What to do
If your dog should bite someone, act responsibly. Confine the dog immediately and check on the victim's condition. Seek medical help. Provide appropriate information about the date of your dog's last vaccination, etc.
Consult a trainer or your veterinarian for advice that will help you prevent bites. If your dog shows serious aggression that training cannot cure, do not give the dog to someone else. The dog may attack in the future and you have the issue of liability.
There are 52 million dogs in the United States, and the vast majority are loving and loyal. Reducing the likelihood that your dog will ever bite helps to protect you, your dog and everyone else in your community.
XMary Jo Nagy is a volunteer with Angels for Animals.