On July 8, 2015 Michael Burkey CEO and Dog Behaviorist at Michigan Dog Training in Plymouth, Michigan gave Dog Bite Prevention Tips to 40 United Parcel Service (UPS) employees. The training was arranged by UPS employee Chris Taylor and was held at their Livonia, Michigan hub location. Some of the tips provided included:
- How to recognize a dog’s stress relieving behaviors before the bite occurs
- A wagging tail doesn’t mean it’s friendly but instead it’s aroused which could be good 
(excitement) or it could be bad (ready to bite)
- Items to put between the dog and themselves that will either distract the dog or act as a 
barrier
- Don’t run away from the dog as the dog will probably catch you and the prey behavior of 
the chase will ensure the dog will bite.
Warning signs to a dog bite
Taylor bravely put on a bite sleeve and received several bites from Burkey’s dog Kaboom, a Belgian Malinois. During the bite work demonstration, employees clearly saw that a wagging tail didn’t always mean friendliness as Kaboom wagged his tail while waiting to bite Taylor on command. Additionally, Burkey showed how easily Kaboom could pursue and over take a fleeing person. Thus, it’s not recommended to run from a dog. Instead, find something to place between yourself and the dog and stand like a tree giving no direct eye contact to the dog.
Dog bite prevention talks
To arrange safety talks for your employees or to schedule dog training for your dog, contact Michigan Dog Training at 734-634-4152.
