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Man’s Best Friend?

Dogs often bite people they know. Here’s how to avoid potential mishaps

By Matthew M. F. Miller
CTW Features

Most dog bites occur between people and dogs who know one other, so paying attention to your surroundings and pet behaviors are good ways to avoid being bitten, says animal trainer, Paul Owens, author of “The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training” (Adams Media, 2007).

Kids are the most frequent victims of dog bites, and elderly people comprise 10 percent of those bitten annually, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Schaumburg, Ill.

“Often people say, my dog has never done this [bite someone] before,” Owens says, noting that dogs react in a contextual manner.

For example, if a dog has been taught to sit on carpet, it might not follow orders to sit on kitchen tile because it wasn’t taught that.

“You must raise your dog the way you raise your child; anticipate problems before they happen. No hitting, kicking, shocking, shaming or jerking.

“Paying attention to your dog’s moods will save you and your family from bites, Owens says. For example, don’t interpret a wagging tail as a sign of friendliness. It’s not a friendly dog if the tail stands straight up and is wagging stiffly, while the dog leans forward on his front legs, ears pointing forward with lips licking. If a dog’s tail waves in a relaxed manner at medium speed with his head bobbing up and down, that’s likely a friendly dog.

Following are quick tips to help you stay man’s best friend:

• Stay away from sleeping dogs unless you know them well.

• Stay away from dogs while they are eating.

• Ask for permission to pet a dog you don’t know.

• Approach dogs in a letter “C” pattern, then turn sideways and offer your hand down to your side to let it sniff.

• Do not pat dogs on their top of their heads; they don’t like it unless they’re taught to like it.

• Kids should get an adult if they see an injured dog. If the dog is in pain and you approach, it might bite to protect itself.

Do breeds matter in avoiding dog bites?

Three factors count in whether dogs are aggressive or not. It’s genetics; the first 14 to 16 weeks of life; and how they are raised. If a dog’s parents were extremely aggressive, they could pass this trait to their pups. If a dog is mistreated the first few weeks of life or is not socialized to sights and sounds, it could grow up to be a “fear biter” that will never grow out of it no matter what you do.

Then there’s good old-fashioned doggie manners; it is up to you as a pet owner to make sure your pet has them.

Source: Paul Owens, author of “The Dog Whisperer” (Dogwhispererdvd.com)

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SEE THE GALLERY

Ways to Welcome Home a New Feline

From Allie Phillips of King Street Cats, a cat-rescue group in Alexandria, Va., which holds open adoptions at downtown locations every Sunday

Give the cat its own room

A new home can seem huge, intimidating and overwhelming. So find a room that will allow the cat to get accustomed to the smells and sounds. Placing a cat-calming Feliway plug-in device in the room may also help.

Make introductions slowly

If you have other cats or pets, a several-step introduction is best. First, allow your current pets to see the new cat through a baby-gated doorway or by someone holding the new cat while your current pet is held and petted (to reduce anxiety and jealousy.) Cats will invariably growl and hiss during introductions. Keep petting and talking to all pets. Let the pets decide when they want to get closer to sniff each other, which may take days or even weeks.

Kitty-proof your home

If this is your first cat, be sure electrical cords are hidden or secured to avoid chewing; check tables and shelves for breakable items; beware of lit candles on low tables; and be sure basements and other areas don’t have small openings to the outdoors. Lock away cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers and other toxins with baby-proof hinges. Have at least one litter box per cat.

Provide supervision

During the first weeks of allowing your new cat to roam free in your house, it's best to be watchful. You can help it locate litter boxes and food/water bowls and you'll discover its hiding places. And if you have other pets, you can ensure there are no conflicts.

Give lots of love

Keep your level of attention for existing pets consistent when a new cat arrives. If you suddenly stop or reduce the level of play and interaction with current pets, jealousy can ensue and the new cat could become the target of attacks. Engage in playtime with all the cats together.