Dogs, called man's best friend, are valued for their loyalty and obedience. But not all dogs display these characteristics. Many dogs can be aggressive or dangerous; in fact, over 3,000 dog bites were reported by mail carriers alone in 2003, and about 20 people per year die as a result of dog bites. Learning what causes dog attacks and how to protect yourself if a dog attacks can prevent serious injury to you and your family.

Why do dogs bite?

Dogs typically bite to protect their home or their family. If a dog feels like his space, food, puppies, or humans are at risk, he is likely to protect them. While it is unfair to label whole breeds of dogs as aggressive, some dog breeds have been developed and prized for their aggressiveness and are more likely to be the perpetrators of attacks on humans. Breeds most often involved in fatal attacks include:

• Pit bulls
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Doberman Pinschers
• Chow Chows
• Great Danes
• Saint Bernards

It is important to note that breed alone does not put a dog at risk for fatally attacking a human. Other characteristics play a larger role. Unneutered male dogs are more likely to attack than females or neutered males. Socialization and training are also extremely important. Dogs who are trained using fear-based reinforcements are more likely to attack, as are dogs with a poor animal-human bond. Dogs whose owners allow or encourage them to act aggressively are also more likely to attack humans, as are dogs who are kept on chains or allowed to run loose.

Some dogs attack not out of aggression, but out of fear. These dogs were often poorly socialized as puppies, or have been abused and thus taught to fear humans. Dogs who attack out of fear can surprise their victims because they appear submissive and don't always look like they are about to attack.

Preventing Dog Attacks--Dog Owners

Owning a dog is a big responsibility--not only to the dog, but also to yourself, your family, and the general population. If you choose to own a dog, choose to be a responsible dog owner by treating your dog with respect. Your dog will be happier as well as less likely to injure others.

The best way to raise a safe dog is to raise it from a puppy, treating it as a member of the family. Prevent fearfulness by exposing your puppy to a variety of situations, and treating him with kindness. Owners can also prevent their dogs from acting aggressively by avoiding owner behaviors that encourage aggressiveness. Owners can prevent their dogs from biting humans by following these rules:

• Do not chain your dog or confine him to a small pen
• Do not allow your dog to roam in a pack
• Do not use fear-based methods to train your dog
• Do not encourage aggressive behavior
• Have your male dog neutered
• Provide your dog with plenty of positive human contacts

Raising your dog in a way that prevents attacks on humans benefits society and keeps your neighbors safe. It can also protect owners from legal action. Many states and localities have laws that punish irresponsible dog owners, with penalties ranging from being prohibited from owning dogs in the future to fines and jail time.

Preventing Dog Attacks--General

The best way to survive a dog attack is, of course, not to be bitten. Learn what behaviors dogs view as aggressive, and avoid them. Teach children how to behave around dogs, even if you don't own dogs yourself.

Dogs feel threatened by many of the gestures that humans consider polite. Humans are socialized to greet a new person by looking him or her in the eyes, smiling, and offering to shake hands. However, dogs feel challenged when looked in the eyes. Invading a dog's space by patting him on the head or bending down to say hello can also be considered threatening. When meeting an unfamiliar dog that is with his owner, always ask before greeting or touching the animal.

If you come across an unfamiliar dog that is without his owner, do not challenge the dog by looking in his eyes, running away, or yelling. Calmly leave the area, so the dog does not see you as a threat to his space.

Surviving dog attacks

Not all dog attacks are preventable. If you are unable to prevent a dog attack, you will come through with fewer injuries if you can anticipate the attack and react appropriately.

Most dogs give some indication that they are about to attack. A dog who is about to attack out of fear may growl and bare his teeth, but will display a submissive posture, with his tail between his legs and his body low to the ground. If a dog seems to be about to attack you out of fear, retreat. Do not let the dog get behind you, as this type of dog likes to attack from behind.

A dog that is attacking out of aggression will lean forward, perk his ears, and wag his tail stiffly. He will also growl deeply, bare his teeth, snap, or curl his lips. If an aggressive dog seems about to attack you, avoid looking in his eyes. Slowly back away from the dog, while trying to calmly put a coat or bag between you and the dog. Avoid yelling or speaking in a high-pitched voice. If you can beat the dog inside the house, up a tree, or into the car then run for it, but otherwise do not run. If the dog attacks, fall face forward on the ground and try to protect the back of your neck with your arms or an object. If you play dead, the dog will be distracted.

Conclusion

Although members of certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, have gotten a lot of bad press in recent years, dog owners carry more responsibility for dog attacks than dog breeders. Just as all dogs can be socialized to be enjoyable pets, all dogs can be socialized to act aggressively or to bite humans.

Being killed by a dog attack is a highly unlikely scenario. Most dogs do not attack humans with enough force to seriously injure them. However, making sure you know which dogs are likely to bite and how to avoid and react to an attack makes a severe dog attack even less likely.