There are a lot of stray dogs out in the country and in cities for that matter. Most people stay away because of the dangers of an attack, but sometimes attacks can happen with your own pets. Heather Mills reports.

There were 265 reported dog bites in Wichita County just last year. About twenty percent of those bites required a moderate amount of medical attention. A young girl and her grandmother, attacked by their dog. A woman, mauled by her four dogs, a baby killed by a puppy. Recent headlines show how serious dog attacks can be.

Kelly Jordan said, "I've been bit three times. They've all been by Dachshunds and Chihuahuas." Though you may think of Pitbulls and Rotweillers as the most agressive breeds, "I've been bit one time in eight years and it was a Chihuahua."

All dogs are capable of biting. "I personally don't think it's a breed problem. It's the way they're raised." And if they're out of their normal surroundings, Animal Control Supervisor Stephen Dodge said dogs can be unpredictable. "They're more aggressive, they're more prone to bite, they're fearful because they're out of their element."

Even dogs that appear friendly, with wagging tails, may actually be showing signs of aggression.

Dodge said, "Dog's wagging his tail, doesn't mean friendly." So if you come upon a stray, "My best advice is do not go near it." Keep a safe distance.

Jordan said, "If it comes up and you're too close, do not make eye contact. If you make eye contact with the dog, you're challenging the dog." And if you're looking to adopt a pet, Kelly Jordan at the Humane Society said it can take two weeks to six months to fully socialize your new dog.

Jordan said, "The best thing to do is talk softly, walk slowly around the dog, talk reassuringly to it." Teach your kids how to react around dogs, and never leave a child alone with an animal. If a dog does attack, Dodge said the best thing to do is drop like a rock and protect your head and vital organs. Then, call Animal Control. Any dog that bites a person must be quarantined for ten days under Texas law at the cost of the owner.

I also spoke with the Obedience Training Club of Wichita Falls. They say basic obedience training will solve most aggression problems, and they stress positive training techniques are necessary. Force-based punishment is the worst thing to do for an aggressive dog.

Heather Mills, KAUZ News.

Another way to reduce aggression is to spray and neuter your pet, and if you suspect pack-aggression, separate your animals immediately.