Many people are unfamiliar with dogs and do not realize when a dog is exhibiting warning signals. Any breed, size, or age of dog is capable of biting.

• Avoid eye contact. Staring is considered an aggressive behaviour by dogs. If the dog is aggressive, there could be trouble. Watch the dog - just don't stare at him.
• If you have to approach the dog for any reason, walk casually and slowly towards the dog. Speak pleasantly to the dog. Stop a few feet away from the dog or sooner if the dog growls or moves away from you.
• Don't "freeze". This is also threatening to the dog. In a dog's world, you freeze immediately before you attack.
• If the dog growls at you - LEAVE THE DOG ALONE. Dogs do not always growl before they bite, but growl as a warning to be left alone. Other danger signs are a hard stare, stiff body, snarling, freezing or a terrified dog.
• Allow the dog to come to you. Let the dog get used to your scent.
• Don't frighten the dog into biting you. Some dogs bite because they are afraid of you. If the dog thinks that you may hit him, if your hand is over his head where he can't see it, if you came up to him too quickly, if you bend over the dog (crouch instead) or if the dog has no retreat and/or is injured or frightened, he may bite to free himself from danger.
• Walk away from a dog - don't run - running triggers the hunting instinct in dogs.
• NEVER tease a dog
• NEVER cause a dog pain. This means: no tail pulling, no eye poking, no sticks in the ear, no hitting. Parents should remember that if their children see them hit the dog, they will think it is okay for them to do also.
• NEVER get close to dogs that are fighting. They are in a frenzy and will bite anything. If you are trying to break up the fight, your best bet is to pull the hind legs of the combatants. This is still very risky.
• NEVER disturb a dog in its kennel or if it feels cornered.
• NEVER disturb a dog while it is sleeping or eating. Even if your dog has been trained to accept this, many other dogs have not. You must respect their space during these activities.

• Supervise your dog when children are near.
• Train your dog to respond to basic commands. Good training is the best way to prevent problems such as aggression. Contact your veterinarian, local kennel club, pet store, or breeder to find out about basic obedience training.
• Socialize your dog. introduce it to many different people and situations.
• Get regular veterinary care for your dog. In many instances of dog bites, investigation revealed that the dogs were in considerable pain from undetected physical problems such as severe ear infections, abscessed teeth, tumours, etc.
• Inspect your dog regularly - check its ears, paws, teeth, etc., for injuries.
• Too often, the dog acquired for protection ends up causing serious harm "by accident" to an innocent person - usually a child. If you have a dog protection, make sure the dog is properly trained, not just encouraged to be aggressive. Keep it tied up away from pedestrian traffic, post signs, and have it under supervision at all times while outside.

In the event of a disaster where you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

Find out what hotels and motels outside the immediate area have no pet policies. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

Check your telephone listings to be aware of what boarding facilities and veterinarians are available in the area, make a list. Animal shelters may become overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

• Food, water, bowls, kitty litter/litterbox, can opener
• Carrier to transport your pet and/or leash/harness
• Medical records and medications
• Current photos of your pet in case they become lost
• Information on feeding, behaviour problems, medical conditions, and your vet's phone number
• Where you can be reached
• If possible, pet bed and a toy
• Be sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification on it

Information assembled from the Brockville and District Safe Communities Handbook and the Emergency Preparedness Handbook by the Brockville Recorder & Times.