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Dog owners and families are being reminded to stay aware and take precautions as Dog Bite Prevention Week gets underway.
Dog trainer, Katherine Vooys says the annual campaign is all about education and prevention.
Parents are also encouraged to teach children safe behaviour, such as avoiding dogs that are eating or sleeping and not approaching unfamiliar animals. Children should always ask the owner for permission before interacting with a dog and use gentle, appropriate behaviour when doing so.
Vooys explains that dogs rarely bite without warning. She says most incidents happen when a dog feels afraid, startled, in pain, or is trying to protect something.
She adds that responsible ownership plays a big role. Learning to recognize early warning signs—like a tucked tail, pinned ears, or a dog backing away—can help prevent situations from escalating.
When faced with an aggressive off-leash dog in a park or on a trail, Vooys offers the following advice:
She adds that it’s important to avoid running or making sudden movements. Staying calm and quiet can help prevent further escalating the situation.
Vooys says with better awareness from both dog owners and the public, most dog bites are preventable—helping keep communities safer for everyone.
(Jeremy Hall)
