Key Messages

Each year, dogs bite more than 100,000 Australians

Be a responsible dog owner.

Look after your 2.3 children

Two out of three dog bites happen in the backyard.
Supervise children with dogs.

Teach your child to interact appropriately with dogs and not to ‘play-fight’ or play ‘tug-of-war’ games with them. Dogs can get overexcited or frightened if there is a lot of noise. So put your dog out of the way when children are playing loud games and running around.

Dog’s best friend

Two out of three dog bites involve the family, neighbour or friend’s pet dog.
Teach your dog how to behave with visitors.

Teach your dog to sit before you allow visitors to stroke it. Allowing it to jump up on people may frighten or annoy them, and children may feel very intimidated by the dog’s behaviour.

Approach with caution

Dog bites can occur when dogs are wandering at large.
Never pat a dog you do not know.

Never approach a dog that is wandering on the streets.
If you see a dog with its owner, always ask the owner for permission to pat the dog. Allow the dog to sniff the back of your hand first. If it is happy to be patted, it will sniff your hand and move towards you. You can then stroke the dog under its chin.

It's a dog eat dog world

Dog bites occur when dogs have not been taught how to act around dogs and people.
Socialise your dog.

Take your dog to puppy pre-school or dog obedience school. It is very important for dogs, in particular puppies, to be socialised with other dogs and people. Remember - if your dog is trained and issued with a training certificate, you will receive a rebate on your dog registration fee.

Let sleeping dogs lie

Almost 50% of all serious dog bites occur in children under 10 years of age.
Never disturb a dog when it is asleep or eating.

Every dog can bite - Desexing reduces this risk

Dogs can be scared by sudden disturbances. Scared dogs may bite. Always call the dog first so that you do not surprise it. Do not go near any dog when it is eating its meal or chewing a bone, especially if you do not know the dog. If you approach, the dog may bite to defend its food.

In South Australia last year:

• 3 people a day were attacked or harassed by a dog
• 4 dogs or other animals a day were attacked or harassed by a dog
• 1 person everyday was treated in an emergency department
• 1 person every two days was hospitalised – mostly children

Desexing reduces the risk of your dog biting.

Good reasons for desexing your dog:

• Reduced aggression – towards people and other dogs
• No unwanted litters of puppies
• Healthier dogs – reduced risk of cancer and other diseases of the reproductive organs
• Dogs generally live longer, happier lives
• Less likely to suffer from anti-social behaviours ie leg mounting (humping)
• Reduces territorial behaviour
• Reduces the urge to wander
• Reduces vet bills
• Discounted dog registration

Good owners lead to good dogs

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