<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><em>Dog Bite Prevention - How to Avoid Dog Attacks As Pet Owners and Parents</em></strong></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">There are many reasons why dogs bite. Generally, an attack is due to a display of dominance (especially with children), defensiveness or fear, protection of owner or territory, predatory instincts or the results of long-term abuse. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">It’s always good to have information for preventing dog bites, especially if you have kids, as they are the ones most likely to be bitten. As a parent, consider teaching your children dog safety. This includes making sure that they understand that they should never hug a dog’s neck, or go near their food. They should never run up to a dog, and never pet one unless they have asked for the owner’s permission. Here are a few very good tips for both you and your children:</span></p>
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	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">If you see a dog, never run from it. Running can trigger the natural predatory instincts and cause the dog to chase after you and possibly attack. </span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Never scream or wave your arms. Instead, stay calm and keep your arms down at your side</span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Don’t look the dog in the eyes. Instead, keep your eyes downcast while still keeping an eye on the dog. </span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">If the dog seems agitated, just stand still. </span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">If he/she moves toward you, try giving the command, “No”, or “Sit”. </span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Back away from the dog slowly</span></li>
	<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">In the unfortunate event that the dog bites and attacks, cover your face and throat with your arms and try to roll into a tight ball.</span></li>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">For pet owners:</span></span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">Please don’t forget that dogs are predatory animals. If they are not properly socialized,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>trained, or trained with negative reinforcement, they can become aggressive which can lead to dog attacks and bites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>It is your responsibility to train your animal to be safe. Otherwise, you could be held strictly liable for the harm caused by your dog to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Also, many dog attacks occur within the home, even to family members. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Consider selecting a pet that will fit into your household and your community. This includes paying attention to both the breed and temperament. Dominant dogs require special training and specific owner personalities. The reality is that some dogs are simply too strong and unpredictable to have in crowded communities or homes with children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=LHkrVSYvMzM"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=LHkrVSYvMzM</span></a></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=G700_zPJ1eU&amp;feature=related"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">http://youtube.com/watch?v=G700_zPJ1eU&amp;feature=related</span></a></span></p>