Remember That Dogs are Animals
Most dogs are friendly and benign, rarely lashing out at their owners or other people. However, some dogs may react to certain situations violently and lash out at nearby people. The Humane Society has compiled a collection of tips and guidelines you can follow that will help prevent such reactions from dogs. This website also contains information to teach your children to help them avoid dog bites and attacks.
NoDogBites.Org provides the following suggestions:
How do you avoid getting bit by a dog? Start by being polite and respecting the dog’s personal space. Never approaching an unfamiliar dog, especially one who’s tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don’t pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first.Don’t disturb a dog while she’s sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn’t know you may see you as an intruder or a threat.Pay attention to the dog’s body language. Put a safe amount of space between yourself and a dog if you see the following signals (illustrated in the video above), that the dog is uncomfortable and might feel the need to bite:
- tensed body
- stiff tail
- pulled back head and/or ears
- furrowed brow
- eyes rolled so the whites are visible
- yawning
- flicking tongue
- intense stare
- backing away
When putting space between yourself and a dog who might bite, never turn your back on him dog and run away. A dog’s natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. What to do if you think a dog may attack:
- Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
- Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
- Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
- If the dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
Of course, even if you take all the necessary steps to avoid a dog bite in Utah, you may still be the victim of an attack. Dog bites can result in debilitating injuries, especially when they attack children. If you have been attacked by a dog, you have every legal right to receive compensation for your injuries from the dog’s owner. Contact the expert Utah dog bite lawyers at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights. We will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.