This booklet describes the prevalence of dog bites, reasons a dog might be aggressive, and other factors leading to or resulting from dog bites as a safety guide for officers and others who might interact with unfamiliar dogs.

From Introduction:
“This guide discusses the tools, practices, and procedures that contribute to effective responses to dog-related incidents and encounters where dogs happen to be present. Primary goals include ensuring public and officer safety and considering community needs and demands. Although dog-related incidents and encounters may also be related to inhumane care and animal cruelty (including animal-hoarding situations and dog fighting), this guide does not directly address them. Each of those requires its own analysis and response. Nor does it directly address public policy issues (such as dog-breed discrimination) or departmental policies that fail to incorporate effective practices.”

Table of Contents:

1. CHAPTER 1: The Problem of Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters Covered in This Guide General Description of Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters Factors Contributing to Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters Harms Resulting From Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters
2. CHAPTER 2: Understanding Your Local Problem Asking the Right Questions Measuring Your Effectiveness
3. CHAPTER 3: Responses to the Problem of Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters General Considerations for an Effective Response Strategy Specific Responses to Dog-Related
4. Suggested Reading

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