Beware the bite!

HOW YOU CAN AVOID DOG BITES

	Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
	Never run from or scream at a dog.
	Be "still like a tree" when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you.
	If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball and stay still.
	Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
	Tell an adult if you see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
	Don't look a dog right in the eye.
	Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
	Don't play with a dog without allowing it to see you and sniff you first.
	If a dog bites you, tell an adult right away.

BE A SAFETY-SMART OWNER

Never leave infants or children alone with any dog.

Spay/neuter your dog.

Train your dog in obedience.

Don't play aggressive games with your dog.

Follow leash laws.

Keep you dog healthy; an unnoticed injury can make a dog aggressive.

Your dog should be part of the family. Unsocialized "outdoor" dogs are more likely to bite than "indoor" dogs.

DID YOU KNOW....

	4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year.
	Children make up 60 % of dog bite victims.
	About half of all children in the U.S. will be bitten by a dog by the twelfth grade.
	Nearly 20 people die a year from dog bites in the U.S.
	Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. seeks medical care because of a dog bite.
	70% of dog bites occur when the dog is on the owner's property.
	While any dog can bite, the top biting breeds include: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Doberman Pinchers, Chow Chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards and Akitas.