This is not the only danger sign that warns of a potential dog attack.
Below are helpful suggestions on how to keep you and your family, especially the children, safe for a dog bite or vicious attack.
DOGS ARE TERRITORIAL
A dog in its own yard (or space) with no master present may be cause for concern. About 4 of 5 human fatalities by dogs in 2008 occurred by dogs in their own yard.
BEWARE OF THE DOGS MOST PRONE TO ATTACK PEOPLE
Pit Bulls far and away cause the most fatalities to humans among dog breeds. 2 of 3 human fatalities by dogs in 2008 were by Pit Bull Terriers.
STAY AWAY FROM PACKS OF DOGS
Even the most friendly dogs can become uncharacteristically vicious when in a pack. "Dog pack mentality" simply reasons the more dogs in a defined space the more likelihood of a dog pack attack. Roughly 4 in 10 fatal dog attacks to humans in 2008 involved more than one dog doing harm.
CHAINED AND TETHERED
("TIED UP") DOGS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE SAFEFEST DOGS
Nearly one in ten human fatalities caused by dogs last year were "chained up."
MALE DOGS MORE DANGEROUS THAN FEMALE DOGS
Statistics prove that male dogs, especially mixed breed male dogs, are the dogs to be more careful with ... especially if not neutered. Male dogs probably bite humans two to five times more often than do female dogs.
NEW DOG IN THE HOUSE
It's very wise to show some extra caution with a new and particularly unfamiliar dog in your home or place of work. Most dogs, animal care specialists maintain, take about 6 to 8 weeks to "settle in" to its new environment. The past couple years 1 in 5 human fatalities by dog attack happened with a "new" person and "new" dog sharing a house for less than 60 days.
Beware of your surroundings. Dogs are wonderful animals. But if one or more multiple "danger signs" are present you are adding risk.