Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, with children being the most common victims (children make up more than 60 % of all dog-bite victims). Dog-bite injuries are a serious problem in this country, and can be reduced.

Here's how we can help as responsible pet-owners

  • Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered are less aggressive, and three to four times less likely to bite than dogs who have not been spayed or neutered.
  • Train your dog for social interactions so that he/she feels comfortable being around other people (friends, neighbors, and children), including socializing with other pets.
  • Train your dog the basic commands - "sit" / "stay" / "no" / "come". This builds a bond of obedience and trust between pets and people.
  • Don't put your dog in a situation where it may feel threatened to tease.
  • Obey all "leash laws" in your community. Do not let your dog roam free. Properly restrain (chain) or contain (cage / fencing) your dog; frequently check the items for wearing - replace when necessary.
  • Never play aggressively with your dog. Do not play "attack" games or "tug-of-war". He/she won't always understand the difference between "play time" and real-life situations.
  • If you are not sure how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. When a person comes to your door, make sure the dog is safely restrained or confined in another room before opening the door. Don't allow your dog to bark or jump up against the door; this will only teach your dog to "attack" everyone at your door.
  • Keep your dog healthy by having it properly vaccinated (rabies and other preventable infectious diseases), and getting regular check-ups at the veterinarian.
  • If your dog exhibits behavior such as growling, nipping, or biting - seek professional advice from your veterinarian or a skilled dog trainer.
  • Never approach a dog you don't know or a dog that is alone without its owner. Teach children not to approach strange dogs. Do not approach if the dog is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain. If the dog is with an owner, teach them to ask the dog's owner for permission before petting the dog.

Here are some pointers

  • Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
  • Don't pet a dog without letting him/her see or smell you first.
  • If approached by a stray (one you don't know), don't run or scream. Stand still with your hands at your sides. Do not make direct eye contact with or speak to the dog. Teach children to "freeze" until the dog goes away.
  • If knocked to the ground, curl into a ball placing your hands over your ears. Lie still and keep quiet until the dog goes away. Teach children to "freeze" until the dog goes away.
  • If a dog attacks, "feed" the dog anything (coat, book, purse, book bag, bike, box, and trash can) that can be used as a barrier between you and the dog.
  • If bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Contact the Dog Warden's Division and/or appropriate Health Department to report the bite incident. The dog will need to be quarantined by the owner or by this office for a ten (10) day observation period.

Remember

  • If approached - stop and "freeze" (don't run or scream).
  • If knocked down - curl up and "freeze" (don't scream and cover your ears).
  • If attacked - "feed" the dog anything (create a barrier between you and the dog).

The Stark County Sheriff's Office Dog Warden Division offers to the general public a Bite Avoidance Training Program for elementary school-age kids and employees of at-risk jobs that work around or have contact with dogs.  Please contact the Dog Warden's office for more information.