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PROGRAM FOR COMPANION ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis


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Animals Teaching Adolescents   by Deborah Anne Mathis

Guide to Dog Bite Prevention Resources   by Robert A. Marotto

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UC Center for Animal Alternatives
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California, Davis

12/14/01
 
 



 
 

A GUIDE TO DOG BITE PREVENTION RESOURCES(1)

by Robert A. Marotto, Ph.D., Summer 1998
 
Table of Contents

I. General Resources

II. Home Service Personnel

1. Pamphlets
2. Videotapes
3. Presentation Materials
III. Children and Bite Prevention
1. Coloring and Activity Books
2. Videotapes
3. Curricular and Presentation Materials
IV. Dogs and Their Owners
1. Educational Brochures
2. Behavior and Training
3. Children and the Family Dog
V. National Dog Bite Prevention Week

VI. Additional Resources
 
 



 
 

GENERAL RESOURCES

 
 

This Dog Wouldn't Bite... This brochure suggests the scope and consequences of dog bites, discusses safety practices and what needs to be done in the event of a bite, and emphasizes the steps that owners can and should take to reduce the risk that their dog will bite anyone. Available from The Humane Society of the United States, Publications, 2100 L. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Cost: $.45 each; 25 for $6.00; 100 for $20.00. Copyright 1994.

Preventing and Avoiding Dog Bites is a similar document available from The Humane Society of the United States. This two-sided flyer provides an abbreviated statement of animal safety guidelines for dog owners and other community members. Cost: $.10 each; 100 for $3.50. Copyright 1995.

"Don't worry, they won't bite." This brochure addresses the responsibilities of owners, the need for special care in the case of children and dogs, and safety tips about dog attacks. Provided by State Farm Insurance, Insurance Information Institute and American Veterinary Medical Association. Available with a postcard request from State Farm Insurance, Len Shepard, Public Affairs--B4, 1 State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710. Cost: none listed. Produced in 1998.
 
 

HOME SERVICE PERSONNEL

 
 

1. Pamphlets

Stay Safe Around Animals. Practices that can reduce the risk of being bitten by an unknown dog are examined in this 15 page illustrated booklet intended for the general public as well as for those in occupations providing home services such as delivery and repair. Available from CHANNING L. BETE CO., INC., South Deerfield, MA 01373. 800-628-7733. Cost: $1.25 each (with quantity discounts available and a personalized cover option). 1996 Edition. Copyright 1988.

2. Videotapes

Dog Bite Prevention: Through Awareness. A 10 minute training videotape for meter readers, delivery personnel and others who may encounter expressions of territorial aggression because they enter yards in the course of their work. Produced by Long Island Production, Inc., and distributed by The Training Network, Inc., 1432 Kearney Street, El Cerrito, CA 94530. (510) 232-8283; fax (510) 232-5235. Cost: $99 (plus shipping and handling). Undated. Available for preview.

Dog Bite Prevention. This 15 minute videotape provides the advice of animal trainers and behaviorists to service personnel who visit households, members of the general public, animal control and care professionals, and dog owners themselves. Viewers get a good sense of perilous situations from realistic footage of territorial and predatory aggression. Available from The Latham Foundation, Latham Plaza Building, Clement and Schiller Streets, Alameda, CA 94501. 510-521-0920. Cost: $30.00 purchase (and available for preview or single engagements). Undated.

3. Presentation Materials

Bite Prevention Presentation Outline (including TOP TEN WAYS TO AVOID DOG BITES). The essential elements of a presentation on dog bite prevention for utility workers, delivery workers and letter carriers are identified and summarized in this outline. It is intended to be used by shelter workers and animal control officers in community outreach programs. Available from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Education Department, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128. (212) 876-7700. Cost: none. Undated.
 
 

CHILDREN AND BITE PREVENTION

 
 

1. Coloring and Activity Books

Be Bite-Free! Coloring Book. This 23 page coloring book uses full page drawings with captions to teach children how to safely behave with dogs. Family and neighborhood dogs and their behaviors are emphasized because "It's not just bad dogs that bite!" Written by Gail DeLay and Ann Ramsbottom and illustrated by Gail DeLay. Available in Spanish as well as English from SPCA of Texas Headquarters, 362 S. Industrial Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207. 214-651-9611, ext. 122. Cost: $2.50. Copyright 1995.

Fido! Friend or Foe? Activity Book. This 24 page book presents activity exercises and drawings for coloring to teach children how to behave safely around dogs. Written by Etta M. Agan and Joanna E. Burnette and illustrated by Lisa Makarchuk. Provided by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, and State Farm Insurance. Available with a postcard request from State Farm Insurance, Len Shepard, Public Affairs--B4, 1 State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710. Cost: none listed. Produced in 1998.

Gypsy and You: How To Avoid Dog Bites. This 4 page coloring booklet for children reviews scenarios in which Gypsy might bite, illustrates how she looks when she is upset, and describes the "do's and don'ts" of dealing with an upset dog. Available from the American Humane Association, 63 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, CO 80112. 303-792-9900. Cost: $.60 each; 100 for $15.00; 500 for $50.00. Copyright 1987.
 
 

2. Videotapes

Dogs, Cats & Kids: Learning to be Safe With Animals. An excellent 30 minute videotape designed to teach children between the ages of 5 and 12 when to leave pets alone, how to handle and play with pets, and what to do if they encounter a stray dog. Produced by Donald Manelli & Associates, Inc. and featuring Dr. Wayne Hunthausen. Available in DVD or VHS. Video reviews and ordering info at http://www.dogscatskids.com. Cost $19.95 (plus $3.95 postage and handling). Copyright 1996-2004.

Bite Free: Playing It Save With Dogs. This wonderful 9 minute videotape, featuring various dogs and narrated by a Border Collie named Sam, teaches safety rules and practices to children between the ages of 4 and 10. Available as part of The Bite Free Unit (described in the following section) from the British Columbia SPCA Education Division, 322-470 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1V5 Canada. 604-681-7022. Cost: $20.00 (in American dollars and including surface shipping). Copyright 1996.

Animal Safety is Fun. Rules of animal safety are presented in this acclaimed 15 minute videotape that concentrates on teaching children the skills needed to be safe in an encounter with a stray dog. The 1/2" VHS videotape and accompanying instructional packet are available from J. Michael Cornwell, D.V.M., Glencoe Animal Hospital, 3712 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43214-3590. 614-268-0540. Cost: $49.95. Second Edition. Copyright 1992.

Animals Can Bite. This 13 minute video dramatizes situations to teach elementary school children how to safely behave with animals and what to do if they are bitten. Produced by John Hart with a grant from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Available from Pyramid Film & Video, 2801 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404. 310-453-9083. Cost: $95 (plus $8 shipping and handling). 1976.
 
 

3. Curricular and Presentation Materials

The Bite Free Unit: Playing it Safe With Dogs. This instructional package is designed for educators who want to teach dog bite safety to primary and intermediate grade children. It consists of a program manual; a training videotape for educators; a videotape for children narrated by a Border Collie named Sam; and a take-home brochure. Available from the British Columbia SPCA Education Division, 322-470 Granville Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1V5 Canada. 604-681-7022. Cost: $29.95 (in American dollars and including surface shipping). Copyright 1997, 1995, 1996, 1996.

Becoming Bite-Free. This packet includes a lesson plan and script involving a puppet named "Rags;" guidelines and background readings for teachers and volunteers; a variety of learning activities for younger children; illustrative drawings of dogs in different moods and risky situations; and a take-home brochure about animal safety. Available from The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County, 2608 Center Street, Tacoma, WA 98409. 206-383-2733, ext. 814. Cost: $1.50. Undated.

ASPCA Bite Prevention Lesson Plan. The intent of this plan (which can be used with or without a demonstration dog) is to prevent bites by improving children's "understanding of dog behavior and communication." One segment focuses on the senses and language of dogs and another focuses on meeting and greeting a dog. There are various handouts for parents and teachers as well as children. Available from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Education Department, 424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128. 212-876-7700 ext. 4400. Cost: none. Produced in 1997.

Operation Outreach-USA. In this character education program, emphasizing respect for all living things, there are several valuable lessons designed to teach elementary school children to understand how dogs communicate and to behave safely in their presence. Each lesson includes a detailed teaching plan and instructional materials. Available from OPERATION OUTREACH-USA, P.O. Box 5912, Holliston, MA 01746-5912. Cost: $10.00 per student and teacher in a class for each grade unit. (Individual lessons within the units are not available for sale.) Copyright 1991 and revised in 1997.
 
 

DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS

1. Educational Brochures

This Dog Wouldn't Bite... This brochure suggests the scope and consequences of dog bites, discusses safety practices and what needs to be done in the event of a bite, and emphasizes the steps that owners can and should take to reduce the risk that their dog will bite anyone. Available from The Humane Society of the United States, Publications, 2100 L. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Cost: $.45 each; 25 for $6.00; 100 for $20.00. Copyright 1994.

Preventing and Avoiding Dog Bites is a similar document available from The Humane Society of the United States. This two-sided flyer provides an abbreviated statement of animal safety guidelines for dog owners and other community members. Cost: $.10 each; 100 for $3.50. Copyright 1995.

"Don't worry, they won't bite." This brochure addresses the responsibilities of owners, the need for special care in the case of children and dogs, and safety tips about dog attacks. Provided by State Farm Insurance, Insurance Information Institute and American Veterinary Medical Association. Available with a postcard request from State Farm Insurance, Len Shepard, Public Affairs--B4, 1 State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710. Cost: none listed. Produced in 1998.
 
 

2. Behavior and Training

Leader of the Pack by Nancy Baer and Steve Duno. This book examines how one becomes a dog's "pack leader" in a humane way, and the problems that arise when one fails to do so. The authors suggest that bites often occur because so many dogs see themselves as pack leaders and discipline human underlings who challenge their rank or privileges. Available from booksellers. Published in 1996 by HarperPaperbacks, a Division of HarperCollins Publishers (137 pages). Cost: $7.95.

Dominance in Dogs: An Owner's Guide by Victoria L. Voith, DVM, Ph.D. and Peter Borchelt, Ph.D. This 7 page booklet examines dominance aggression, identifying its development, early warning signs and characteristic expressions, and recommends professional treatment for this uncommon but potentially dangerous behavior problem. Available from Heinz Professional Services, 585 Hawthorne Court, Galesburg, IL 61401. 1-800-469-7387. Cost: The first 25 copies are free and each additional increment of 25 cost $2.50 (plus postage and handling). Copyright 1991 by Veterinary Learning Systems.

Preventing Aggression by Dr. Ian Dunbar and Gwen Bohnenkamp. This valuable 41 page booklet for dog owners and trainers presents behavior and temperament training exercises designed to prevent a dog from biting a person of any age. Produced by the Center for Applied Animal Behavior, and distributed by Direct Book Service, 701 B Poplar Wenatchee, WA 98801. 1-800-776-2665. Cost: $5.00. Copyright 1985.
 
 

3. Children and the Family Dog

Childproofing Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Preparing Your Dog for the Children in Your Life by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson. This book examines the various issues that must be faced by parents who own or want to own a dog. Issues discussed include bringing a baby into a home with a dog; interactions between toddlers and young children and the family dog; the necessity of dogproofing children as well as childproofing dogs; and signs that there is a problem. Available from booksellers. Published in 1994 by Warner Books, Inc., (88 pages). Cost: $9.99.

Leadership: Leading the Way to A Beautiful Friendship by Paul Owens with illustrations by Jacci Stincic. This coloring book introduces children to the notion of pack leadership and the different practices entailed by a healthy relationship with their family dog. Available from The Dogs of Operand, P.O. Box 10335, Burbank, CA 91510. 800-269-3591. Cost: $6.95 . Copyright 1996.
 
 

NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK

 
 

The Humane Society of the United State's 1998 National Dog Bite Prevention Week Kit. Pet owner responsibility for their dog's behavior is a central message of this kit for animal care and control agencies, humane shelters, and other organizations with an interest in National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Included in the kit are answers to common questions about dog bites and their prevention; samples of a press release and a letter to the editor; suggestions for community activities and events; a list of dog bite prevention resources; and a reproducible coloring page of "Dog Bite DOs and DON'Ts". Available from The Humane Society of the United States, Companion Animal Care Division, 2100 L. Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. 202-452-1100. Cost: none.

United States Postal Service 1998 Dog Bite Prevention Kit. This kit includes a coloring page for small children, a brochure on preventing and avoiding dog bites, and a pamphlet describing National Dog Bite Prevention Week that presents basic data on dog bites and provides prepared materials for community activities and public relations. The kit is intended for postmasters but it can be used by others interested in raising awareness of dog bites as a health and safety problem, encouraging responsible pet ownership, and teaching animal safety. Available only from the website of the United Sates Postal Service (www.usps.gov.) (or by reproducing the copy received by your postmaster).
 
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 
 

Journal of American Veterinary Medicine April 1997, Volume 210, Number 8, pages 1122-1154. This issue contains the proceedings of the American Veterinary Medical Association's 1996 Animal Welfare Forum, "Human-Canine Interactions," focusing on the interwoven issues of dog bites, canine behavior and aggression, and public health and safety. Available from the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360. Cost: $6 in the U.S.

1. Comments and criticisms about this working document are invited. They may be addressed to the author at 2858 James Avenue, S., Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408. The author is an animal control officer who works for the City of Minneapolis and a member of the training staff at Twin Cities Obedience Training Club.
 
 

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