In order to prevent a dog bite from occurring, both parent and pet owners need to be prepared. Children under 14 years of age account for 85 per cent of dog-bite victims.

The first rule of thumb is that no child should be left unsupervised with a dog. This rule is even more significant when the child has playmates visiting. Health Canada statistics show children between 5-14 years of age are more likely to be bitten by a familiar dog in familiar surroundings. With infants and toddlers, an attack is often by the family dog.

It is very rare that a dog will attack without ever giving a warning. The few cases in which this has occurred have usually indicated brain disorder. The majority of bites are predictable.

To prevent your family pet from becoming a statistic, it is vital for you to determine your dog's potential danger. A certified professional trainer should conduct an evaluation. The results will indicate your dog's reaction, recovery time and risk in daily situations. Although many of your dog's behaviors were genetically predisposed, the environment in which the dog has been raised can alter his/her natural response. The three instincts to note are fight, flight or freeze.

A dog that scores high in fight response could prove to be a strong confident nature. The dog that jumps towards unfamiliar sounds and sights is most likely in charge of his household. This bullish attitude needs to be controlled. Never physically challenge this dog.

If your dog prefers to run away from unsual noises, the danger lies most often in seeing for its own safety. This dog will do anything to get away, if it cannot escape it can often feel so threatened that it will take the attitude of getting you before you get it. This dog needs a leader that will give it confidence and trust, not sympathy and indulgence.

The last potential response is called the "freeze" instinct. This reaction can be misdiagnosed as a confident, safe pet. He feels if he doesn't move the danger will go away, but other dangers can occur if his wishes are not granted. His next attempt would likely be to flee, if he is unsuccessful, a fear biter is born.

It is important to note that each dog has a different level of tolerance. This individuality proves dog training is a specialized field. No evaluation would be complete without giving the owner a report on his or her skills. The three most common handler types include the coddler, the attempt to control and the controller.

The coddlers may be surprised at this rating. They think they are giving reassurance for the dog's insecurity. Just as a parent would hold and protect a child from a scary scenario, the pet owner gives a subtle glance, touch or verbal reassurance. In the dog's mind this confirms the fear. It has the opposite effect of what was intented it to do.

The owner who attempts to control may have given the dog a command, but gave up too soon. This dog has his owner pegged and his persistence paid off. He does not recognize the owner as the leader and understandably would not follow even if his life were at risk.

A competent leader will provide the necessities of food, water, and shelter while gaining the trust and respect of his pack by distinct, unambigous and consistent commands that are always enforced. Training is a lifestyle; it is not a fifteen-minute session in the backyard each day.

So train your dog today and everyday.