Dog owners and families are being reminded to stay aware and take precautions as Dog Bite Prevention Week gets underway.
Dog trainer, Katherine Vooys says the annual campaign is all about education and prevention.
Parents are also encouraged to teach children safe behaviour, such as avoiding dogs that are eating or sleeping and not approaching unfamiliar animals. Children should always ask the owner for permission before interacting with a dog and use gentle, appropriate behaviour when doing so.
Vooys explains that dogs rarely bite without warning. She says most incidents happen when a dog feels afraid, startled, in pain, or is trying to protect something.
