Responsible Ownership
The real solution to dangerous dogs
Things to Consider Before You Get a Dog
- Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household.
- Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
- Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into the home of an infant or toddler.
- Spay/neuter all pet quality dogs (this frequently reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
- Do not play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
- Properly socialize and train any dog entering the household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose abdomen and relinquishing food without growling).
- Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Responsible Ownership Practices
- Spay/neuter all pet quality dogs and cats
- Daily walks or runs with your dog decrease destructive behavior
- Basic commands help teach your dog who is boss (e.g., sit, stay and leave it)
- Never leave a dog unattended with children or strange animals
- Always use a leash when in public with your dog
- If your yard is not fenced fully, watch your dog when it is outside (use a dog run or tether)
- Do not tolerate aggressive behavior from your dog
- Vaccinate all pets regularly and license them if required to do so where you live
- Feed your dog healthy food on a regular schedule to avoid food aggression
- Socialize all puppies with dogs, cats and children as much as you can
- Seek help from a veterinarian or dog trainer if your dog develops aggression, fearfulness or destructive tendancies
- Get all dogs Canine Good Citizen Certified by the AKC
- Hold homeowner's or renter's insurance that includes your canine companion.
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Preventing Dog Bites
Teach children basic safety around dogs and review regularly:
- Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Do not run from a dog and scream.
- Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
- Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
- Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
- Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
- Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
- If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.
Review the AVMA's Dog Bite Prevention Guidelines
