Steps to Minimize the Likelihood of a Dog Attack

More than 4.7 million people each year are bitten by dogs in the United States. Many of these victims are children. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has published ten safety guidelines that set forth strategies to lessen the likelihood of a dog bite. Because children are attacked by dogs more than adults, parents should teach their children these safety rules about dealing with dogs and a dog attack.

1     Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
2     Do not run from a dog and scream.
3     Remain motionless when appraoched by an unfamiliar dog (be still like a tree).
4     If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (be still like a log).
5     Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
6     Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
7     Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
8     Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
9     Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
10   If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.