Top Ways to Keep Your Dog From Biting
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville dog bite lawyer. In 2016, the number of dogs in the United States totaled around 78 million. While 81 percent have never bitten anyone, according to Canine Journal, the number of dog bites that do occur is staggering. However, there are ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from dog bites, and reduce the risk of your family pet causing an injury. Learn what you can do to keep your dog from biting.
Why Dogs Bite
There are many reasons a dog can suddenly bite a human being. California leads the nation in dog bites, however, knowing why an animal becomes aggressive can help. Following are some of the more common causes:
- The dog is being protective toward the owner or home.
- The dog is being protective of its areas such as when someone is too close to its food and water bowl, bedding or toys.
- The dog feels threatened or afraid or has been provoked into biting.
- The dog has puppies and is protecting them.
- The dog is old, ill or reacts when startled.
- The dog hasn’t learned how to play safely without nipping.
- Parents are not providing needed supervision of children around a dog.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 4.5 million dog bites occur on a yearly basis. Of these, around 900,000 of the bites cause an infection, which requires more extensive medical treatment. Considering that the United States population is somewhere around 325 million, that means that one of 72 people in the country is bitten by a dog every year.
Getting a New Dog for the Family
Most dog bites occur in the home or at a house or apartment belonging to a friend or neighbor. However, a dog bite can occur anywhere and at any time, even from an animal that knows you. Providing proper training for your new dog can keep your dog from biting.
- Stay away from dogs with aggressive tendencies, particularly when there are children in the family.
- Talk to your vet or a dog trainer as well as doing research yourself on what type of dog would be best suited for your home and lifestyle.
- As soon as your dog is old enough, have it neutered or spayed. This reduces the tendency toward aggression.
- Do not allow people, especially children, to provoke a dog. Children do not always understand that pulling a dog’s ears or tail and other actions can cause a dog to bite.
- Take your dog to obedience classes. A dog that knows what is expected of them is easier to control. Obedience classes are available for both puppies and adult animals.
- Socialize your new dog early on. Dog training class is an ideal place for your new pet to get acquainted with other dogs and people and become accustomed to being around others.
California Law on Dog Bites
Under California Civil Code 3342, a dog owner is financially responsible if their pet bites someone who is lawfully on their property or in a public location. It is irrelevant whether the dog has never bitten anyone before. However, there are exclusions to this law. It does not apply to soldiers or law enforcement personnel while they are working.
Related Article by Roseville Dog Bite Lawyer Ed Smith
Roseville Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville dog bite lawyer. Dog bites can be serious or even cost the life of your loved one. If this happened because of another dog owner’s negligence, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you recover fair compensation. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in the Roseville area for my free, friendly advice. The toll-free number is (800) 404-5400, or I can be contacted online at my website.
I’ve helped many Roseville residents over my 36 year career with numerous claims for serious injuries as well as all types of car accidents in addition to dog bite injuries.
I belong to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum as a California member. This is a group of top trial attorneys who have won a verdict or settlement in excess of $1 million for a former client.
Learning about a law practice is important to find the right representation for you. Go to the following links to learn more about mine at:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/malinois-retrieve-dog-training-662784/
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