Will That Dog Bite? 5 Reasons It Might
Author: Auger Law | September 24th, 2014
Every year in the United States, more than four million people can call themselves dog bite victims. One fifth of these victims need to have their injuries attended to in a medical facility. Here’s another statistic: Half of all dog bite victims are under the age of 13.
There is a common misconception surrounding dog bites. Many people believe that it’s the strange dog that bites. According to According to dog bite statistics, most dog bites are delivered by an animal that the victim is familiar with. What is extremely important to understand is that any dog can bite; even the family pet. Here are five of the most common reasons that dogs lash out.
1. Possessiveness
Have you seen the “cute” pictures on the Internet of babies taking toys away from dogs? 9 times out of 10, that behavior may be perfectly safe. It’s the tenth time that it all goes wrong. Many adults are not skilled in reading canine body language, and infants and toddlers most certainly are not. Do not allow your children to take items like toys and food away from any dog. Ever.
2. Fear
Many dog bites that are delivered by a fearful animal are directed towards strangers. Unfortunately, these bites also occur in the home. Teach your child to never sneak up on the dog. Your child should not be permitted to bother the dog when it is sleeping. And no matter how much your child loves the dog, never let your child wrap his or her arms around the dog’s neck.
3. Pain
It’s not unusual for dogs to bite because they are painful. It’s also not unusual for humans to have no idea that their dogs are in pain. Dogs have a predisposition to hide pain. It’s simply something that they do. Often, one of the first signs of illness or injury in a companion animal is a change in behavior such as aggression.
4. Maternal Instinct
It is extremely important that everyone in your family understand to not touch a dog that has recently given birth and is still caring for puppies. It is also important that family members do not handle the puppies. If you feel as though your dog is accepting of your handling of her puppies, do not do so without caution.
5. Prey Drive
Dogs have an instinct to chase. While the instinct has been watered down in some dogs, in others it is incredibly high. Teach your children not to run from a dog. If you are cycling or jogging, be aware of your surroundings. If you find yourself being chased by a dog, stop and stand still. Do not make eye contact. Chances are that the dog will find you uninteresting and move on.
If your canine is displaying aggressive or fearful behavior, there are dog training tips that can help you. A professional behaviorist will be happy to share these with you. Remember that it is up to you to ensure that your dog does not bite you, a member of your family, or a guest on your property.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the offices of Auger & Auger for more information on your legal rights. We can help you file a dog bite lawsuit if necessary today.
