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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, April 7, 2002

ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Know what to do when a dog attacks

Hawaiian Humane Society

Several serious dog-bite cases have been in the news recently. If a dog threatened or attacked you, would you know what to do?

Towering over a dog, looking it in the eye, and making sudden movements are considered threatening signals to a dog.

Hawaiian Humane Society

On O'ahu in 2001, 177 dog-bite cases were reported to the Humane Society (the Honolulu Police Department also gets dog-bite reports). But most dog-bite incidents can be prevented with four steps.

1. Practice responsible dog ownership.

Dog owners are responsible for properly socializing their dogs. Owners should understand the reasons their dogs might bite and learn to avoid them.

The dog most likely to bite is an unneutered male who is tied up or confined with little attention from his human family. If you have not lovingly welcomed your dog as a member of your family, take steps now. Training and contact with other people and dogs is easy to arrange, sterilization is affordable through the Neuter Now program on O'ahu, and exercise is free and fun.

2. Increase understanding of dog behavior.

It is the nature of dogs to defend themselves, their human family and their territory with their teeth. A dog might react aggressively when he perceives a threat. The size and breed of the dog has very little to do with how it will react when it feels frightened or threatened.

Looking a dog in the eye, towering over the dog, yelling, making sudden movements and offering an outstretched arm are all threatening signals to a dog. But people can avoid triggering a dog's instinctive defense mechanisms. Children, especially very young ones, should be taught to avoid making these threatening movements and noises around dogs. Teach them never to approach a strange dog unless they ask the owner first.

3. Learn preventive measures.

Where to call to get help

• If you are bitten or get into a dangerous situation with a dog — and it's an emergency — call 911. You may also report the incident to the Hawaiian Humane Society at 946-2187, Ext. 285.

• To book a Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention workshop, call the Hawaiian Humane Society at 946-2187, Ext. 222.

The Hawaiian Humane Society has developed the Mr. Bugs Dog Bite Prevention Program. It explains about dog behavior and teaches people how to respond safely. Community organizations, school groups and people who work door-to-door can benefit from this free workshop. To schedule one, call 946-2187, Ext. 222.

4. Know what to do when confronted by an aggressive dog.

If you are chased or threatened by a dog: Stop. Do not run. Do not panic. Do not stare into the dog's eyes. Face sideways and firmly tell the dog to "sit" and "go home." If you can, put an obstacle (a bicycle, surfboard or purse) between you and the dog. Slowly back away to safety.

If a dog attacks you, stop moving, and try to encourage the dog to bite any soft object you happen to have with you, such as a backpack, jacket or purse. Shake and pull the object while the dog is gripping it and slowly back away sideways toward safety. Once you are near a safe place, let the dog have the object.

If you do not have something for the dog to grab, stand quietly and put your hands in fists around your head and neck for protection. Move slowly toward safety while facing sideways to the dog.

If the dog knocks you down, lie quietly in the fetal position with your hands in fists around your head and neck. Remain in this defensive posture until the dog goes away or help arrives.

If you are chased while jogging or bicycling, stop immediately. Put the bicycle between you and the dog, assume the sideways posture and back away slowly.