K9 Manners & More: Tips on preventing bites, ahead of May 7 safety class

Dog bites affect millions of Americans each year, and a Tulsa-area trainer says many of them are preventable with the right education and awareness.

Q&A: "How big of a problem are dog bites in the U.S.?"

“About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States,” said Mary Green, an animal trainer with K9 Manners & More.

“And that’s just reported numbers. If it’s your dog or your neighbor’s, many bites never get reported unless there’s a serious injury or medical treatment needed.”

Q&A: "Why do dogs bite?"

“Mostly fear,” Green explained.

“Dogs do a lot to tell us they need space — they might back off, growl, or show their teeth. That’s their language."

She added that children can be especially prone to triggering fear-based responses because they often approach dogs too quickly or try to hug them.

Q&A: "What counts as a bite?"

“Any contact of a dog’s teeth on human skin is considered a bite — even nipping or air snapping,” Green said.

She emphasized the importance of “respecting the growl.”

“A growl is a warning. If you punish it, the dog might stop growling and go straight to biting next time.”

Q&A: "Can people learn how to prevent bites?"

“Yes — and that’s why we’re offering a class,” Green said.

K9 Manners & More is hosting a people-only dog bite prevention workshop on May 7.

“We’ll go over dog body language, warning signs, how to reduce your own dog’s risk, and how to avoid threatening situations.”

Q&A: "How can people sign up?"

“You can register online at k9-manners.com,” Green said.

“No dogs at this event — just people learning how to stay safe.”

PREVIOUS K9 MANNERS: How to keep your pets safe during severe weather