An estimated 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. While about 2,500 of these are letter carriers, children are the most common victims of severe dog bites. Dog-bite injuries are a serious problem in our country, but it's a problem we can solve. here is how we can prevent this from happening.

If a dog attacks, you may be able to decrease injury by "feeding" the dog your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything else that can serve as a barrier between you and the dog.

CANINE BODY LANGUAGE

Canine Body Language:  Dogs use body language instinctively to communicate to the world how they are feeling in a particular situation.  A dog's body language can change quickly. 

Learn and be aware of what the dog is trying to tell you. 

Below is a list of different types of canine body language and what they mean:

     "BODY LANGUAGE"                                    "WHAT IT MEANS"       

WHEN WILL DOGS BITE?

• When they feel threatened and when they are afraid.

• When they are protecting their territory, food, toys, pack/family or puppies.

• When they get excited, even during play.

• When they are startled or surprised, especially when sleeping.

• When they don't know you.

• When their prey drive is triggered.

• When they have been and/or trained to be aggressive.

• When they are injured, in pain or irritated. Stay away. Call for help.

NEVER     enter a property where there is a dog without the owner present

ALWAYS  ask permission before petting any dog

NEVER      walk up behind any dog.  ALWAYS let the dog see you!

NEVER      approach a strange dog.  Always assume that a strange dog is unfriendly.  Be especially on guard if the dog is restrained or confined in a yard, tied to a fence or tree, chained to a doghouse, etc.

ALWAYS  keep body movements, body language, & tone of voice relaxed & calm.  NO SUDDEN MOVES.

NEVER     feed a dog food or bring food onto a customer's property.

NEVER     run past or from a dog. 

NEVER   disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

NEVER     play rough with a dog.

NEVER    stare into a dog's mouth.

NEVER    touch or hand an individual anything when his dog is present.

ALWAYS REMEMBER  that any dog is capable of biting. 

DOG CARE TIPS

• Spay or Neuter your dog.  Dogs who have not been spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite than are dogs who have been spayed or neutered. 
  
  
  Train and Socialize your dog so that he/she is comfortable being around people, including friends, neighbors, and children and every day noises around his environment. 

• Never play "attack" games with your dog.  He won't always understand the difference between play and real-life situations.  

•  If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious.  When a letter carrier or other service person comes to your door, be sure your dog is safely restrained or confined in another room before opening the door.  Don't allow your dog to bark, jump against the door, or bite the mail as it comes through the mail slot; this will only teach your dog to attack the letter carrier.

• If your dog exhibits behavior such as growling, nipping, or biting even on an occasional basis, seek professional advice from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist or a certified dog trainer.

• Never approach a dog you don't know or a dog who is alone without his owner, especially if the dog is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain.

• Don't disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

• Don't pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see or sniff you first. 

• When approached by a dog you don't know, don't run or scream. Instead, stand still with you hands at your sides and do not make direct eye contact with or speak to the dog. Teach children to be a tree until the dog goes away.

• If you are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears. lie still and keep quiet until the dog goes away. Teach children to lie like a log until the dog goes away.

 

It is always possible that a dog will give you no sign of aggression at all.  When in doubt, be careful!

 

                                                         
 

 

 

DOG FOOD PRESERVATIVES

 

BHA and BHT: These are both preservatives used in many dog foods.  BHA is butyhlated hydroxytoluene.  Both BHA and BHT have been associated with liver damage, fetal abnormalities and metobolic stress.  They also have a questionable relationship to cancer.