Posted on: Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Dog-bite advice: Stay calm, don't look

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The number of dog bites reported on O'ahu is on the rise and the Hawaiian Humane Society is presenting a lecture to help residents recognize aggressive behavior and avoid being attacked by a dog.

The Mr. Dog Bite Prevention program is set for 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Humane Society, 2700 Wai'alae Ave. The event is free, but reservations are requested.

From July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2001, there were 177 dog bites reported on O'ahu, compared with 103 the previous 12 months, said Humane Society spokeswoman Eve Holt. In 1999, the Humane Society received 147 dog-bite complaints.

The lecture program was developed in 1997 and has been presented to hundreds of community groups, businesses, and organizations, such as the Postal Service. Holt said the lecture teaches participants to recognize different types of aggressive behavior, how to avoid potentially harmful situations, and what to do if confronted or attacked by a dog.

"With the number of recent attacks focusing attention on potentially dangerous dogs, we felt it was a good time to help educate the community," Holt said.

There are four types of behavior: play, submissive-fear, aggressive and prey-drive. Holt said play is self-explanatory, but the three other behaviors can lead to an attack.

The workshop will include a video and workbook with advice on what to do if attacked. A booklet with dog-bite prevention tips for children also will be available.

"The most important thing, and the hardest thing, is to stay calm," Holt said. "Don't run and do not stare at the dog. You cannot stare at a dog, especially an aggressive dog. If you stare at it, it will take that as a challenge and could trigger an attack."

The lecture will be conducted by Eddie Louis, an investigator with the Humane Society for 21 years. For reservations, call 946-2187, extension 368.