It is not uncommon for a person to display signs of love and affection towards a canine. Often referred to as man's best friend, a dog can be playful and joyous in many situations. However, a canine’s behavior can be impossible to predict, and severe injuries could result from a dog attack. Although it may be tempting to try and pet or interact with a dog, your conduct should be well thought out. Before any actions are taken towards a canine, there are several “Do’s” and “Don’ts” that should be considered.  

Appropriate Conduct

Due to the fact that an animal attack can be unpredictable, it is always important to consider how a canine might interpret your behavior. Regardless if you are familiar with the dog or not, a miscalculated action could put a dog into a defensive mindset. Before you attempt to interact with a canine, it is considered a best practice to:

• Ask the owner if it is okay to pet the dog (if it is not your dog)
• Remain still if you are approached by an unfamiliar canine
• Curl into a ball and protect your head if you are knocked to the ground by a dog
• Immediately report any strange behavior to the dog’s owner or appropriate party

Behaviors to Avoid

Scars and disfigurement, nerve damage, or wrongful death can be the aftermath of a dog bite attack. The aggressive nature of a canine should not be taken lightly, considering that nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. To better increase your chances of avoiding an attack, an individual should not: