Town of Georgina
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Dog Bite Prevention
| "If you know the facts on how a dog acts, you can avoid attacks" |  |
| A dog's guardian is responsible for preventing bites. If your dog bites someone, you can be prosecuted under the Dog Owners Liability Act. This can result in a fine, restrictions on your dog's freedom, or even a death sentence for the dog. | |
When do dogs bite?
| When a dog is sleeping - Don't disturb a dog who is sleeping because it may become frightened. |  |
| When a dog doesn't know you |  |
| When you touch a dog's ears or tail |  |
| When a dog is eating - Don't approach or take a dog's toy or bowl, never tease a dog. |  |
| When you wear a hat - some dogs don't like hats, sunglasses and uniforms. Remove these items around stray dogs | |
| When you crowd or corner a dog | |
| When a dog is old - Older dogs are easily irritated or frightened |  |
What if a dog comes at me?
| Don't stare at a stray dog, allow the dog to sniff you but don't make fast movements. Once the dog has left, walk quickly to the nearest home of someone you know, and tell an adult what happened | |
If you observe an aggressive or threatening dog, go to the nearest house of someone you know and have them contact the Municipal Animal Control & Adoption Centre at 1-800-898-8606. Babies and small children require adult supervision around any dog, even their own.
I'm Having a "Bad Dog" Day!
Remember that all animals can have bad days. Sometimes they are really sick, injured, afraid or just hot. Different dogs react differently to various situations, so always be cautious, especially around dogs that you don't know.
Parents Teach Your Children Well!
All parents tell their children to avoid strangers, don't take rides with strangers, don't take anything from strangers, but most parents don't teach their children what to do around strange dogs! Parents must teach their children the importance of treating dogs with respect, ensuring children understand what to do when they encounter astray or aggressive dog.
When a new dog is introduced to your home, observe the dog carefully and teach appropriate behaviour to both the dog and your children. A trainer can be a valuable asset to you and your children.
As well, your veterinarian can give some great tips on general care, health and vaccines for your new animal. Also, parents should check that neighbourhood children don't tease your dog
Do You?
Do you allow your children to play at a friend or neighbour's house with a dog present? If so, do you ask where the dog will be kept when your child is there? Is the dog up to date on its shots?
If you inquire about daycare for your child, do you ask if they have a dog? If so, what kind of dog is it? How old is it? How long has it been around children? Does an adult supervise when the children and the dog are present? Do they keep the dog separated from the children? Is the dog fully vaccinated? Has the dog had any obedience training and if so, by whom?
Did You Know?
- That spayed and neutered dogs are less likely to bite and live happier and longer lives?
- That dogs who aren't properly socialized as puppies are more unstable and likely to bite?
- That unsupervised dogs can pick up bad habits, such as digging, barking and territoriality? Tying dogs up only makes matters worse
- That dogs behave differently when the owners aren't around?
- That a qualified trainer can not only break a dog of bad habits, but promote good healthy lifetime habits?
- That yearly veterinary check-ups will help avoid these "bad dog" days?
- That your local municipality has qualified people who can help answer your dog questions and steer you in the right directions on adoptions and the enforcement of by-laws that relate to dogs?
- That 58% of all dog bites occurs on the dog owner's property?
- That only 31% of all dog bites occur when the dog is running at large or not leased?
1-800-898-8606
(905) 476-3457
(905) 722-3452