• Socialize and train your dog to be a good citizen. Teach and encourage your dog to like and trust people. By making this positive connection with humans your dog will be welcome to enjoy your company and that of others

• Spay or neuter your dog. A recent U.S. survey of over 200 fatal dog attacks showed that in all but two cases the attacks were made by unneutered or unspayed dogs!

• Teach your children to treat dogs with respect and compassion. Children who tease, taunt or yell at dogs should be taught otherwise and quickly. Not only is this behaviour unkind, they could easily become a dog bite victim. Not to mention that dogs who are teased by children may start to make a general negative association with children!

• Be aware of what is happening around you while you are out for a walk. Some dogs can become startled or anxious if a roller blader, jogger or child approaches quickly or from behind.

• Join a pet dog training class not only for the obedience assistance, but to give your dog the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and new people.

• Accustom your dog to being handled by using positive training techniques. Dogs who are physically corrected or disciplined, grabbed or handled roughly are more likely to bite to defend themselves. Regardless, this is no way to treat a dog

• Be sure your dog is safely secured in your home. Delivery persons have been bitten because a screen door was not latched properly or broken. The same goes for backyard gates

• Seek the advice of a professional canine behaviourist if your dog is exhibiting signs of growling, snapping or biting

• Keep rabies vaccines and identification up to date

BE PREVENTATIVE, SAFE AND SMART

• Encouraging dogs to play rough with their mouths has resulted in many a dog bite. Teaching dogs to be gentle with their mouths and to "drop" or "release" a toy or a ball is much wiser.

• Ask an owner's permission before interacting with their dog. Standing and talking with the owner first will also give the dog time "sniff you out". If the dog is uncomfortable with you, don't push the issue

• Never and I mean never, stick your hand or fingers in the window of a car where there is a dog. If it is hot and humid or you are worried about the dog's safety call the security guard, the SPCA at 1-888-668-7722 or the police

• Don't approach or try to pet a dog who is tied up. Again, if you are concerned about a dog who is tied for long periods of time or is in distress call the SPCA

• Many, many people get bitten trying to break up a dogfight, often by their own dog. If possible, try and douse the two with water, try making a sharp loud sound or blow a whistle.

• Do not leave babies or young children alone with a dog

• Some dogs are instinctually inclined to run and chase moving objects. For this reason it is recommended that you not turn and run away from a dog

• Some dogs may feel threatened if you stare at them. It is recommended that you avoid direct eye contact with dogs you are unfamiliar with.

• A relaxed, arms by your side posture is a recommended meeting stance. Quick, jerky motions or arms up in the air make some dogs nervous.

• Cornering, crowding or leaning over a dog may make it feel defensive or threatened

• Dogs running at large with no owner in sight should be reported to Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-7297

• Generally a dog who is growling is telling you that it is feeling threatened. Do not challenge or try to confront a growling dog

• Young toddlers often greet dogs by bending over them and hugging them or putting their face right near the dogs. This can be extremely dangerous and statistics have shown that a child's face area is most often the site of a dog bite. Parents must supervise toddlers very closely with both an unfamiliar dog and their own dog. Dogs can inflict a bite at lightening speed. Be ever so watchful.

Lorraine Houston is a North York resident who has worked in the animal welfare field for over 20 years. E-mail her at lhh4dogs@rogers.com