OH NO!! Here comes Butch, and he doesn't look happy!

There are usually warning signs before a bite occurs, but these can be very subtle and might be missed. Signs that the dog is telling you "I am nearing the end of my patience" may include:Dog Looking Away

He turns his head away from you or gets up and moves away.

He looks at you with a pleading expression.

He yawns, licks his chops, suddenly starts scratching, or licking himself when you're approaching or interacting with him.

He is wagging his tail with a slow deliberate wag with the tail held straight and parallel to the ground or high over the back. A nervous dog may also wag his tail between his legs or just wag the tip of his tail.

Rub my belly.If he lowers himself to the floor and stares at you, chances are he's getting into a position to jump at you. On the other hand, if he lies down and rolls over showing his tummy, he's probably asking for a good belly rub.

Snarling, growling, barking, and showing teeth should always be considered as signs of aggression. It is best to leave the animal alone and not try to physically comfort him.

It is natural for us, as humans, to run from things that frighten us. Bad idea! So, what should we do when an unfriendly dog approaches us?

Don't run away crying or screaming, no matter how scary he seems. If you try to walk away backwards, you may trip and fall. You'll make yourself prey. Butch's instinct is to chase, attack, or tear the prey apart. Make Like A Tree

"Make like a tree". Trees are boring. The dog will lose interest and go about his business. To assume the "tree" position, cross your arms over your chest with your hands under your arm pits. Stand very still and look away from the dog. Stay in this position until it is safe to leave the area. Remember to walk away calmly.

If a bite seems inevitable, put anything you have in his mouth. Let him bite your purse, hat, jacket, grocery bag, whatever. Try to remain calm.

If he knocks you to the ground, get on your knees and bend over. Fold your arms behind your neck to protect your face, ears, head, and neck. Try to be very still. Stay in this position until the dog has left the area.

Visit my next blog to learn what to do if you or someone else gets bitten by a dog.

Dog Bite Prevention Part 1, Statistically Speaking

Dog Bite Prevention Part 2, What Made Muffy Bite

Dog Bite Prevention Part 3, Practicing Safe Behavior

Dog Bite Prevention Part 5, OUCH! He Got Me!

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9 Comments on Dog Bite Prevention Part 4, OH NO! Here Comes Butch, And He Doesn't Look Happy!

MAR
17
2008
560,607 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Again, as always, great info.  Dogs Rule!!
8:47am • #1
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I think some of these tips can be used with humans --- the co-worker that just won't let go of an issue ( like a dog with a bone ) a grouchy customer,etc. We should read all signs of non-verbal communication. Thanks for the tips.  
8:51am • #2
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Laura: Thanks for keeping up with the series.

Pamela: No kidding! It's almost funny that dogs exhibit some of the same behaviors as we humans. Or do I have that backwards?
9:00am • #3
519,574 Points 111 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
That is a good article.  One thing I would add is that dogs smell first, hear second, and see third.  You want to give off a calm assertive energy at all times. 
9:11am • #4
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Jeremy: Thanks for adding that information. This is just a condensed version of what I used to teach. Dogs can smell your adrenaline. If you're acting nervous, frustrated, or irritated, it makes the dog nervous and quick to react negatively.
5:39pm • #5
136,064 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog
Unfortunately, so many bites are preventable and the dog gets punished.
10:34pm • #6
MAR
18
2008
4 Featured Posts
Gayle: It's a shame, but true.
7:04am • #7
I really get a kick out of people who assume a dog is friendly because he is wagging his tail...Apparently they've never seen a police K-9 taking someone down. 
One thing I always remind people is, "dogs bite."  -Knowing and understanding this is key. 
Nice post.
1:31pm • #8
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Jennifer: How true. My K-9's were trained to bite on command, but they automatically assumed any aggressive behavior towards me was command enough.
3:21pm • #9


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Lissa Uder, Your Lebanon MO Real Estate Agent

Lebanon, MO

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