WCNC's Alex Reed demonstrates what to do during a dog attack

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- So far this year in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area there have been more than 550 dog bites. Would you know what to do if you were came into contact with a dangerous dog?

WCNC reporter Alex Reed wore protective gear and showed us what to do if you're attacked, during a live demonstration.

Watch the video to see just how quick those attacks can happen and why your actions in the first few seconds can make all the difference.

WCNC is working with Dogs by Andy in Mooresville for this demonstration. Andy Hanellin has been training dogs for more than 25 years. He’s worked with law enforcement and narcotics teams around the country, and he is the main training consultant for India’s secret service and military. The majority of his work in this area is with in-home training. For more information on his business, click here.

Here are some tips from Andy on preventing dog bites:

Who's at greatest risk of being bitten by a dog?

Children, the elderly and home service people like mail carriers and meter readers are high on the list of frequent dog bite victims. In fact, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates half of all children 12 and younger have been bitten by a dog.

How to avoid dog bites:

1. Be cautious around strange dogs and treat your own pet with respect.

2. Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.

3. Teach young children to be careful around pets.

4. Children must be taught NOT to approach strange dogs. Children should be taught to ask permission from a dog's owner before petting the dog.

5. Don't run past a dog. Dogs naturally love to chase and catch things. Running may give them a reason to become excited or aggressive.

6. Never disturb a dog that's caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.

7. If a dog approaches to sniff you - stay still (act like a tree, limbs tucked into your body!). In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you're not a threat.

8. If you're threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don't run or scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Do not look into the dog’s eyes. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't turn and run.

9. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

10. Be aware of dogs at houses your children visit. If your kids visit houses where there are dogs, ensure that the dog is separated from the children, or supervised if the children are allowed to play with the dog or in the presence of the dog.

As a dog owner, what are your responsibilities?

1. Supervise - do not assume that your dog is good with kids, even if it has never bitten before. Supervision means that you are right there paying attention to the situation - not in the house or on the phone or in another room. Never leave a young child unsupervised with a dog. Never allow any child to play unsupervised with multiple dogs. If a toddler must interact with your dog, you should have your hands on the dog too. Even if your dog is great with kids and has never bitten - why take a chance?

2. Train the dog, socialize your dog and consider spaying or neutering - take the dog to obedience classes where positive-reinforcement is used to teach new lessons. Never pin, shake, choke, hold dog down or roll dog over to teach it a lesson. Dogs treated this way are likely to turn their aggression on weaker family members. Involve children in training the family dog while supervising. Do not allow children to punish the dog. Condition the dog to enjoy the presence and actions of children using positive experiences. Don't teach your dog to chase after or attack others, even in fun. Your dog can't always understand the difference between play and real-life situations. Set appropriate limits for your dog's behavior. Don't wait for an accident. The first time he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, seek professional help from your animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs are less likely to bite.

3. Be a responsible dog owner- License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone's safety, don't allow your dog to roam alone. Make your dog a true member of your family. Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or chained up often become dangerous. Dogs who are well-socialized and supervised are much less likely to bite.

4. Be cautious - If you don't know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave him at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep him in another room. Work with a professional dog trainer to help your dog become accustomed to these and other situations. Until you are confident of his behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.