10 tips to avoid accidents with dogs

Fatalities from dog attacks have increased in recent years, so it is important to know some guidelines that should be taken into account in relation to them and our bond.

This would be a proposal of points of attention when it comes to linking with dogs.

Decalogue to avoid aggression on the part of dogs:

1. Know how to choose the right dog for every personal and family circumstance.

2. Try to find shelters or breeding grounds where the proper socialization of puppies is taken into account, adopting them from eight weeks of age.

3. Never physically punish a dog, much less puppies between three and sixteen weeks of age, as the consequences will be for life. We must correct them only with our voice.

4. Never leave children alone with dogs, there should always be adults present.

5. Do not play games based on bites and grunts with dogs, especially if children are involved, or allow them to bite their hands during the game.

6. Know how to read the body language of dogs to avoid accidents.

7. Avoid stressful situations for the dog that may arouse its aggressiveness.

8. Fear, too much noise, especially in the case of a shy dog, can trigger fears and provoke combative behavior.

9. Giving her caresses and treats when she does the things we want helps to subordinate and train dogs.

10. In the face of an aggressive episode, it is essential to consult the specialist who will be able to evaluate the situation by taking the appropriate measures to remedy it.

One of the most common circumstances is to find yourself on the street in front of an unknown dog. In that case, the first thing to do is try not to get nervous and think that for the dog it is also an encounter that he is trying to evaluate and that according to our attitude it will be the answer.

Dogs read our body and act accordingly. Without changing the pace of walking and without staring at it, let's try to avoid it by crossing the path so as not to interfere directly in its path. This should not be done in an ostensible way but in disguise and above all without staring at it and without changing the pace of gait so as not to attract its attention.

If it were impossible to avoid it for reasons of the topography of the place or because of surprise, we must stand still as still as a statue and stand against a wall without staring it in the eye. The staring straight into the eye is a provocation, an invitation to contention or at least a challenge, and all that is what we want to avoid.

We must not shout or gesticulate. In fact, if we are still, immobile, we are not a threat, the dog will ignore us or in the worst case will mark its territory, transforming our legs into a milestone part of its urinary marking. If we scream, gesture or move forward making a scandal, we are exposed to being attacked with unforeseeable consequences.

If we run, it is most likely that we will awaken its instinct of prey marked by fire in its primitive brain and that the reaction is to run to “hunt” us.

In short, what you have to do in front of an unknown dog is; first, try to avoid it without changing the pace of walking and sneakily; then if it is impossible to avoid it, do not run or look it in the eye, neither scream or gesticulate; finally, put ourselves against a wall and stay still like a tree or a statue until our stranger gets bored and follows his path.

*Prof. Dr. Juan Enrique Romero @drromerook is a veterinary physician. Specialist in University Education. Master's Degree in Psychoimmunoneuroendocrinology. Former Director of the Small Animal School Hospital (UNLPAM). University Professor at several Argentine universities. International lecturer.

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