HOW TO DEAL WITH UNKNOWN DOGS – Some
Tips
Never try to
touch an unknown dog. Especially do not try to put your hand on the dog’s head.
Do not “invade” the dog’s personal space. Never try to pet an unknown dog.
When meeting a
new dog, let the dog to come to you, explore you and smell you. Let the dog
sniff your hand. Do not be stiff but let your body be relaxed.
Do not try to
hug or caress or cuddle an unknown dog or get too close to the dog’s face.
Observe the
dog’s body language.
An aggressive
dog will show specific warning signs before attacking you:
1. Raised Hackles with Stiff Tail (observe the
standing hair on the dog’s back and the Stiff Upright Tail which may have a
slight rigid wag)
2. Growling Sound
3. Bared Teeth
Do not run
away or back off from an aggressive dog. Hold your ground but do not make eye
contact – just ignore the dog and look elsewhere as if you are not bothered. Do
not give an indication to the dog that you are frightened – just show that you
are indifferent and ignore the dog. Unless it is a rabid dog or a volatile
mentally disturbed dog with neurotic behavioural problems, after some time, the
dog’s aggression will go away.
A Fearful Scared
Dog may also bite you due to protective instinct.
Such a frightened
dog will have his tail down between its legs and will show you his bared teeth.
Remember that such dogs are afraid of you and will bite only if they feel
threatened that you are likely to attack them or harm them. So the best thing
is to move away from the dog.
Do not disturb
a dog when the dog is eating or sleeping. The dog may bite you out of reflex
action.
Do not go near
a female dog feeding her puppies. She
will be protective and may try to attack you.
Never leave a
dog, especially an unknown dog, with your small children. Children may
inadvertently hurt the dog while playing which may entail a nip or bite from
the dog.
If a dog is
injured and not letting you come near by growling or show of aggression, do not
try to touch the injured dog. Call a veterinary doctor for help.
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without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the
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Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013. All Rights Reserved
