Dog bites are all too common in the U.S.; every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans wind up in the hospital because of them. In some instances, the injury is serious enough that the case winds up in court.
Animals can be unpredictable and the Humane Society states that there is no way to ensure your dog will never bite anyone. However, if you take proper care and train your dog correctly, you can lower the risk that he or she will bite you, a loved one, or a stranger. Here are some practices the Humane Society recommends to decrease the likelihood of your dog biting someone.
Spay or neuter your dog
If you do this, your dog will be less driven to roam and fight with other dogs. So your dog will be safer as well as less likely to bite.
Socialize your dog
Dogs can become nervous if they are put in a situation that’s uncomfortable or strange to them. To socialize your dog, make an effort to place your dog in different everyday situations and introduce him or her to a variety of people. The younger the dog is when you start this, the better the results can be.
Train your dog
Involve the whole family in training your dog. Taking a class might be a good option if you’re new to this or even if you’re a lifelong dog owner.
Teach only correct behavior
Dogs don’t always make the distinction between playtime and normal, everyday situations where decorum is required. The Humane Society advises dog owners not to teach your dog to chase after or attack others, even as a game. Set clear boundaries and consult a professional at the first sign of dangerous behavior.
Keep an eye on how your dog relates to other animals — aggression toward other animals may be a sign that you should seek help for your dog. Pay attention to warning signs and don’t wait for something bad to happen before you seek help.
Be kind to your dog
Take good care of your dog. Animals who are treated well are less likely to lash out.
Also, be aware that new situations might put stress on your dog, which can lead to bad behavior. Avoid thrusting your dog into potentially stressful situations. With the help of a professional, you may be able to ease him or her into a new situation in a way that’s comfortable.
What it comes down to is that with proper care by owners, many dog bites are preventable. If you or a loved one has been bitten by someone else’s dog, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the negligent dog owner legally accountable. We will listen to you, review your case, and get you the compensation you deserve.