Dog bites and dog attacks are extremely scary and traumatic events. Approaching and handling dogs in a smart, deliberate manner can mean the difference between serious personal injury and walking away unscathed. The Michigan dog bite lawyers at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm bring you 7 ways to avoid a dog bite.
1. Don’t Pet
You should not pet a dog unless the dog has seen you and had the opportunity to sniff you first. This is especially true if you don’t know the dog or the dog is near puppies.
2. Don’t Grab a Dog’s Tail
This may sound logical, but many people have been hurt by reaching or grabbing a dog by its tail.
3. Pay Attention to the Dog’s Body Language
If the dog appears tense has a stiff tail, the dog is in a hyper aware state and should be left alone.
4. Don’t Turn Your Back
This may sound counter-intuitive, but it is usually better to stare at the dog or turn sideways to the dog when trying to leave it alone. Turning your back to the dog completely may aggravate it and cause the dog to chase you.
5. Avoid Unleashed Dogs
Dogs that are running around a yard or park without a leash should be left alone. This is especially true if the dog is near its owner.
6. Avoid Aggressive Games
It may be fun to play aggressively with your own dog, but this should not be done with an unfamiliar dog, especially if the dog’s owner is in the vicinity.
7. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
You’ve heard the phrase. If you see a dog sleeping or laying near its food bowl, it is a good idea not to come over and invade its space. Petting or stroking a dog without warning while the dog is in this position is inviting danger.
The Michigan dog bite attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm have been helping Michigan dog bite victims for over 40 years.
Please call us at 1-800-LEE-FREE or 1-800-533-3733 with any questions.
