National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of dog bite injuries in this country through public education and the promotion of responsible dog ownership.

The typical dog bite transpires not from a snarling stray, but from a family pet, and the victims are usually children under the age of ten. Most bites occur while the dog is leashed, fenced, chained, or indoors. "You are most likely to be bitten by your own dog, or a dog owned by a friend or neighbor," says Randall Lockwood, Vice President of training initiatives for the Humane Society of the United States.

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To prevent dog bites:

• The best predictor of whether a dog will bite is whether it has been spayed or neutered—another excellent reason to spay or neuter your dog. An unsterilized dog is three times more likely to bite than a neutered animal.
• The other major indicator of whether your dog will bite is whether the dog has been properly socialized and trained. Start training as early as possible with obedience classes that teach the basic commands. "This is not a dog problem; it's a people problem," says Randall Lockwood. "The major cause of dog bites is irresponsible owners."
• Choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Certain breeds have specific exercise needs or may display strong guarding or hunting instincts that need to be channeled. "It's not the breed that makes a dog dangerous, it's the attitude of the owners," explains Lockwood, pointing out that the overall number of bite cases has remained constant over the years—only the breeds have changed. "In 1974 we saw more German Shepherd, Collie, and Cocker Spaniel bites. Today it is the Rottweiler, Chow and Pit Bull. The dogs are a victim of their own popularity."
• Set firm limits on acceptable behavior. Do not engage in rough play such as tug-of-war, wrestling, or "play attacks." Never tolerate growling or nipping, even from very young puppies.
• Keep your dog on a leash when in public. Exercise your pet regularly—confinement in a kennel or on a chain for long periods of time can create behavioral problems.
• Never leave a dog unsupervised with an infant or a child under six years of age.
• Do not disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
• Never pet or approach an unfamiliar dog, no matter how friendly he looks. Many dogs attack without warning.
  

You can tell a dog is upset if it is barking, growling, or snarling with its teeth bared. If its ears are laid back, its legs stiff, and its tail up, it is warning you. The hair on its back will also stand up.