UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - It is estimated that almsot two percent of the U.S. population or 4.7 million people are bitten each year by dogs. What would you do if ever in a situation where you're going to be attacked?

Hector Hernandez from First Class Dog Training states the first thing a person should do is breathe and try to relax.

"It's imperative that you take a deep breath," said Hernandez.

The second thing an individual needs to do, if under attack, is to remember to put something else in front of the body other than an arm.

"Definitely not your arm," said Hernandez. "There are some people out there who recommend that, but you don't want to do that because it's too much pain and your brain's going to shut down."

Third you need to hit the dog hard enough in their 'strike zones' to let the dog know you are not weak, injured, old, or young.

"The best way to hit a dog is going to be in the middle of their shoulders," said Hernandez.

Additionally the throat area is another good place or in the middle of the dogs spine. Places you shouldn't hit a dog are in the head and on the nose.

According to Hernandez, the easiest way to prevent dog bites other than reading the dog's body language, is teaching the dog how to handle correction with submission rather than aggression.

For more information on how to prevent dog bites or tips on how to train your dog, visit www.firstclassdogtraining.com.







ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Hector Hernandez from First Class Dog Training came to the Township Municipal Building to further explain how to prevent dog bites. He also explained how to protect yourself if you are ever bit by a dog. Watch the next episode of Beyond the Badge for Hector's advice.